Betty A. Hulke, 93, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, under the loving care of her family, the Bell Tower staff, and Aspirus hospice services.
Betty was born January 31, 1928 in Merrill, daughter of the late Lawrence and Margaret (Kunkel) Ristau. She married Roger Hulke on September 12, 1953 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. He preceded her in death on February 17, 2018. At the time of her retirement, Betty was the Deputy Treasurer for Lincoln County.
Betty will be remembered as an easy going and even tempered mother who always put ‘family’ first. Betty enjoyed sewing; quilting for every child, grandchild, and great grandchild; canning; and spending time with the ‘Card Club’. Betty and Roger spent time traveling to destinations both domestic and abroad. Her children commented that their mother was a very compassionate care giver to Roger in his later years.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Gary) Porath and Kathy (Ned) Seubert, both of Merrill; one son, James (Jane) Hulke of LaCrosse; seven grandchildren, Leah (Rod) Akey of Merrill, Rachel Fischer of Victoria, Minnesota, Luke (Meghan) Porath and Brad (Bryn) Seubert, both of Wauwatosa, Andy (Cassandra) Seubert of Weston, Jessica Macha of Holmen, and Ben Hulke of LaCrosse; 9 great-grandchildren, Abe, Eve, Aubrey, Brooks, Giana, Ari, Alex, Cosette, Maverick and one on the way; one sister, Judy Warren of Alaska and one sister-in-law, Lois Ristau of Merrill. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Ristau; and a great grandson, Theodore ‘Teddy’ Seubert.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the many years of excellent care that both Betty and Roger received from everyone at Bell Tower Residence.
The funeral will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Matthew Bless will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Wednesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.