Obituary of Betty Jean Walburg
Betty Jean (Norman) Walburg, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Isanti, MN.
Betty was born to Erben and Esther Norman on a small farm in Shevlin, Minnesota on April 25, 1922. She lived there until she was 9 years old. In 1931 her parents, along with her brothers Wilfred, Charles and Bruce, moved to the Norman farm just north of Cambridge, MN. They attended the Cambridge Lutheran Church. Betty’s Great-Grandfather Isaac Edblad was the founder and pastor starting this church in his home.
Betty attended a small country school and later graduated from Cambridge High School. She attended Minneapolis School of Business to become a secretary. She was an excellent student and her first job out of school was with Warren Cadillac (now Dunwoody School). She worked there several years as the office manager overseeing 14 staff.
On July 21, 1951 Betty was united in marriage to Russell G. Walburg at the Cambridge Lutheran Church. They resided in Minneapolis where Betty continued to work for Warren Cadillac. In 1956 they moved up to a farm in Isanti, Minnesota.
Betty attended North Isanti Baptist Church with her husband and children. In 1966 she was baptized, along with her son Scott, at Lake Fanny by Pastor Roy Johnson. She gave her testimony of faith in the Lord and walking with Him and joined the church. Betty was actively involved with the church where she volunteered as the church treasurer for 20 years. She started the library at North Isanti Baptist Church and read every book to ensure that it would benefit others. In 1973, she was hired to be the church secretary working with Pastor Roy Johnson and then in 1981 with Pastor Jonathan Larson. She said it was a blessing to work alongside these pastors. As the church secretary, one of her greatest joys was to be greeted by the kids that would come in with their parents. The kids would often write messages or draw pictures for her. She was so blessed by them!
In addition to a great mom, she was also a wonderful grandma (Mama) and great-grandma. Surviving are her three children Scott (Mary) Walburg, Todd (Candy) Walburg, and Lori Walburg. Her grandchildren Arron (Merrilee) Walburg, Eric (Sarah) Walburg, Amy (Dustin) Lokensgard, Nicholas Walburg, Sergey Walburg, Alexandra Walburg and Anna Jean Walburg and 5 great-grandchildren. A brother Charles Norman and sisters in law June Norman and Marlys Norman as well as many nephews and nieces that were all special to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Erben and Esther Norman; husband Russell Walburg; granddaughter Ashley Walburg; brothers Wilfred Norman and Bruce Norman; and sister in law Alice Norman.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice Staff of St. Croix and caregivers at Prairie Senior Cottages for their care and compassion shown to Betty during this time.
Funeral Services will be held at 1PM, Thursday, December 27, 2018 at North Isanti Baptist Church. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment church cemetery.
