Betty Jean Tasler

WINDOM - Betty Jean Tasler walked into the arms of Jesus, peacefully with her family by her side, on August 5, 2025, at the age of 94 at Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn, MN.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Betty at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Windom (1157 3rd Avenue, Windom, MN 56101) with Pastor Paul Sajban officiating. The service will be recorded and available afterwards on Betty’s obituary at www.sinnfuneralhome.com.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Windom (1157 3rd Avenue, Windom, MN 56101). Visitation will also take place from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Betty will be buried in Memory Gardens Cemetery in rural Windom, next to her husband Edward, who passed away on April 16, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty’s name to the Karson Kent Janssen Scholarship Fund, Relay for Life - Windom Chapter, or the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Windom, MN.

The Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center of Trimont, Sherburn, and Welcome is assisting the family with arrangements.

A beloved child of God, Betty lived her life with a joyful and positive outlook that flowed from her unwavering Christian faith. Each morning, she would begin with her favorite Bible verse: “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Betty was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church—a reflection of the deep roots of her Christian devotion. Her life was a testimony to grace of God and shaped by daily personal devotions, evening family prayers, Sunday Bible studies, various ladies’ and couples’ Bible study groups, and a life of service to others.

Betty was born on January 15, 1931 to the late Abram and Clara (Gohr) Janzen of Mt. Lake, Minnesota. The youngest of four siblings, she spent her childhood exploring the outdoors with an adventurous spirit—her father fondly calling her a “tomboy,” and many knowing her as “Betty Jean.” Her favorite things to do with her father were playing checkers and bringing him lunch in the field. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and taking walks with her mother. A favorite family memory growing up was having a picnic on a rock pile west of their farmstead which the family affectionately called, Sleepy Hollow.

Betty attended elementary and high school in Mountain Lake, where she was a bright student, a very devoted and fun friend, and an enthusiastic cheerleader. In 1949, her classmates honored her as their 1949 Homecoming Queen. After graduation, Betty attended Mankato Commercial College to study banking, inspired by her grandfather, who had served as president of the Mountain Lake bank. Betty was a wise financial steward throughout her life.

Betty met the love of her life, Edward Tasler, through the local Lutheran Walther League. When he asked her to write to him while he was serving in the army at Camp Rucker, Alabama, she happily agreed. They were married on a crisp and sunny Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1954. She and Edward began their life together on a farm outside Sibley, Iowa, where their first three children were born, before settling on a farm near Jeffers, Minnesota. For over 50 years, they raised a family of seven children, instilling in them a deep Christian faith, strong work ethic, and a heart of service for others. One of their greatest achievements was all seven children receiving a university degree. Betty made every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild feel they were her #1.

Betty had a gift for hospitality and a reputation for her delicious baking and home cooking. She was happiest in her kitchen or garden—and was often found picking raspberries while listening to her beloved Minnesota Twins. Her flower arrangements, vegetables, and baked goods earned her numerous blue ribbons and championships at the Cottonwood County Fair.

An exceptional seamstress, Betty crafted countless handmade gifts for her family, especially during the holidays. She passed her love for sewing on to her children and supported them in 4-H, where she also served as a longtime leader. Many young people reached the Minnesota State Fair thanks to her encouragement and guidance.

Betty’s life was deeply rooted in servant leadership. She held leadership roles in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League , Ladies Aid, Garden Club, Vacation Bible School, and Lutheran Missions in Alaska with Ed. She was also a dedicated member of the Jeffers Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. Betty was a breast cancer survivor and actively involved in Windom’s Relay for Life. In retirement, she volunteered at the Jeffers school, helping children learn to read and with Reinbows, a horse therapy program located in Windom. Through these activities, Betty became an adopted “grandma” to many.

Betty loved to travel, making cherished memories across the United States, Europe, and Alaska. Some of her favorite places to visit were the Black Hills, Germany, and whichever child she was visiting at the time. No matter where she went, she loved coming home to the farm.

Betty’s warm and generous soul impacted so many lives. She welcomed everyone with a smile, a warm meal, fresh-baked goods, a cup of coffee, and a final “God bless you.” Her motto in life remained constant and lives through her children today ”Faith, Family, and Friends.”

Betty Jean is survived by her two sons, Daryl (Elaine) of Windom and Wayne (Lynda) of Lithia, FL; four daughters, Gayle (Tom) Shore of Stillwater, Fayth (Chuck) Jensen of Lakeville, Jolynn (Kent) Janssen of Sherburn, and Stacey (Jeffrey) Crosson of Springfield, VA; son-in-law, Eugene (special friend, Sue) Arvidson of Parkers Prairie; twenty-four grandchildren; Kyle, Hali, Corey, Tyler, Brady, Kaylyn, Sean, Brett, Jenna, Lauryl, Ryan, Jessyca, Cassidy, TJ, Lucas, Lily, Sam, Ben, Thomas, Kennedy, Karter, Kooper, Ella, Ava; great-grandchildren, Ellia, Kit, Aiden, Emery, Kylen, Easton, Wyatt, Amelia, Emmalyn, Grace, Hannah, Isaac, Cedar, Amelia, Rowan, Aisley, Emrys, Isla, Jack, Noah, Madison, Emmalin, Aurora, Bailey, and two on the way; honorary sons, Ted (Deb) Horkey and Mike McFarland; two honorary grandchildren, Caleb Bender and Riley Jones; sisters-in-law, Lou Tasler, Marian Niebuhr, Lorraine Janzen, and Odette Fast; brother-in-law, Rev. Robert (Carol) Tasler; along with many nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Edward Tasler; daughter, Jayne Arvidson; grandson, Karson Janssen; great-granddaughter, Adeline; parents, Abe and Clara (Gohr) Janzen; sister, Wilma (Mort) Jacobson; brothers, Kenneth Janzen and Harlan Janzen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward A. and Martha (Woizeschke) Tasler; brothers-in-law, Fredrick “Fritz” (Wilma) Tasler, William “Bill” Tasler, and William “Bill” Niebuhr.