Meribeth “Betsy” Kolodzik passed away on February 14, 2021 at Aurora Bay Care Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and two daughters. Betsy was born in New London, WI on July 15, 1940 to Norbert Arent and Ruby (Ziemer) Arent. She was the third of five close siblings. Ruby and Norbert grew lots of love in their home.
Betsy graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1958. She had various jobs working at Miles Kimball in Oshkosh and in California with her sister, Sally. She was also a stay-at-home mom for a number of years until she began to work at US Bank where she retired in 2002.
Betsy was a voracious reader and loved to pick up the latest mystery novel. She enjoyed figuring out crossword puzzles and playing Solitaire on her iPad. She loved shopping and finding the latest bargain or special at QVC. She loved flowers and took care in choosing her planters and vegetables. Her winters were spent in Gulf Shores, Alabama where she and Raymond “Nuppy” had spent the last 15 years escaping the cold, and finding great eats, fun on casino visits and joy along the sandy beaches in Gulf Shores.
Her greatest accomplishments and joy came from being a grandmother to her six grandchildren. She loved spoiling her grandchildren with compliments, goodies, the latest toy or kind words. They were so loved by her. Gramee found time to cook the best foods, played with them, took time to listen to them, enjoyed finding their latest favorites whenever she could, and truly loved being around them more than anything.
Betsy was kind and generous to all and did not have ill words for anyone. She would smile and, in her patient and kind way make you feel so good. There was not a day that her kindness went unnoticed. She did have fierce views about politics and was not afraid of a discussion to challenge you about her least favorite candidate.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years Raymond Kolodzik, her daughter Kim (Patrick) Christian of Waunakee, Kris (Matt) Lemke of Oshkosh, her brother Butch (Lenore) Arent of Little Rock, Arkansas, her sister Cindy (Michael) Huebschen of Oshkosh, her niece Rhonda (Todd) Zellmer of Oshkosh, a special cousin and friends Larry (Linda) Ziemer of Oakfield and six dear grandchildren Kyle, Ryan and Jake Lemke, Landon, Lainey, and Kennedy Christian. Gramee, we love you so much!
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sally Frye and her brother Douglas Arent.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Johnson and his assistant at Aurora Bay Care Hospital for their kindness during her very difficult stay. They took the time to sit with her and help her when she was feeling alone. When she was still able to talk, she shared how kind they were to her in her darkest hours. The nurses at the hospital provided exceptionally kind care to Betsy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Oshkosh Humane Society.
A private gathering will be held. A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a later date.
Mom, we will make sure Dad wears a clean shirt, we will water your flowers, and we will be okay, because of you.