Betty J. Gerstner

Betty J. Gerstner, 87, of Watertown, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a strong fight with chronic illness on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Heritage Homes of Watertown.

Betty was born on October 4, 1938, in the Town of York, WI, the daughter of Paul and Meta (Stelse) Frentzel. On October 26, 1957, Betty was united in marriage with Eugene Gerstner, and the couple shared almost 46 years of marriage together before Eugene’s passing in 2003. If you were to look up the definition of ‘grandma’ in the dictionary, Betty was a perfect example. Not only to her own family, but to everyone she met. One of Betty’s deep joys in life was taking care of those around her, and it was a quality that carried her through her life. An excellent baker, Betty never sent anyone away hungry and was famous for her yeast rolls, doughnuts, cakes, and cookies which she showered upon her family. She made sure to have a hearty meal available, always meat, potatoes and a vegetable, whenever anyone came to see her. Coffee was another special thing in Betty’s life, and she could drink it from the moment she woke up till the time she went to sleep. Betty lived a life that was full of love and faith, and she left a lasting impact on everyone that she met.

Betty is survived by: children Sheryl (Randal) Christian, Ron (Debbie) Gerstner, Jeffrey (Kelly Klecker) Gerstner, and Brian (Jennifer) Gerstner; grandchildren Heather (Cory) Christian-Neville, Jessica Christian, Gabriel Gerstner, Joshua (Brandi) Gerstner, Benjamin (Victoria) Gerstner, Seth Gerstner, Jaden Gerstner, Lydia Gerstner, and Cameron Gerstner; great-grandchildren Braden Brunner, Hazel Neville, Olive Neville, Elizabeth Gerstner, and Harrison Gerstner coming in September; brother Russell Frentzel. Betty is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and many friends.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, husband Eugene, siblings Viola “Ohie”, Mildred “Skinny”, Ethel “Eda”, Doris “Fuzzy”, Lloyd “Mike”, Emil “Shorty”, Helen “Tootie”, May “Mamie”, Alice “Putsie”, Bobby, Marvin, Donna, and Bertha in infancy, and other relatives.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Heritage Homes for the loving care provided to Betty. Betty lovingly called everyone “honey” and never missed an opportunity to say “Love you, honey” anytime she could.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Watertown with Rev. Anthony Schultz presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Betty will be laid to rest at Glenview Memorial Gardens of Ixonia.