Betty Howland

Betty Marie (Soder) Howland died May 2, 2019 at Park Terrace, Marquardt Village in Watertown with her daughter by her side.

Betty was born on May 8, 1922 in Clay Center, Kansas to Hugo and Florence (Mallory) Soder. The family moved to Formoso, Kansas in 1927. She only had to walk across the street to attend Formoso schools and graduated in 1940 at the top of her class. During World War II she worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria, IL where she met G.V. Young. They were married on January 6, 1946. Two daughters, Brita Jean and Jennifer Bea, were born to this union. The union was dissolved and Betty and her daughters returned to Kansas. On February 2, 1963 Betty married Charles Donald Howland at Mankato, Kansas. He welcomed his new family into his farm home south of Formoso. They attended Formoso Community Church and were involved in many community activities. Don passed away on February 12, 1987, and Betty remained on the farm until 1990 and then moved to Belleville, Kansas. In order to be near her daughter she moved to Watertown, Wisconsin in December 1999 and became a member of the Marquardt Village family. She enjoyed many special friendships and a variety of activities both at the village and at First Baptist Church.

Betty is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Tom) Ciganek of Watertown; sister Barbara Ingersoll of Maple Plain, MN; and special friend Ruth Lange. Betty is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and daughter Brita Jean.

The family would like to thank “her girls” of Marquardt Home Health for making it possible for her to stay independent for as long as she did. Also to the staff of Park Terrace and Marquardt Hospice for the care they gave the last two months of her life.

A memorial service for Betty will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church in Watertown with Rev. Shane Walker presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30am until the time of service.

Memorials in Betty’s honor to First Baptist Church or Marquardt Home Health/Hospice would be appreciated.