Bette June Schweiger
June 23, 1935 - August 10, 2020

Bette June Schweiger, age 85 passed away August 10, 2020 at Parkridge Specialty Care in Pleasant Hill, Iowa surrounded by her family. She was born June 23, 1935 in Chamberlain, SD to Ida Emma Mark. She grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska and graduated from Grand Island Senior High where she was a stand- out athlete. On July 31, 1954 she married Daryl "Skip" Schweiger who preceded her in death in 1998. Together they had three children and made their first home in Grand Island, later relocating to Des Moines, Iowa.

Bette loved people and collecting children. Having grown up as an only child she enjoyed the hustle of having as many as she could under her wings. There was not a kid that did not become "one of hers". Each one of them was likely taught one of her famous phrases about how to make the most of every situation good or bad. She worked hard to keep her house a home and enjoyed being outdoors whenever possible. Her passion for camping, fishing and gardening always insured she had dirty feet. Her other passion, shopping always insured she had great shoes to cover her dirty feet. Being an athlete herself she could be found and each sporting event her family had and if you could not find her, all you had to do was listen, she was THAT fan. Hours were spent at bowling alleys, as she participated in several leagues and competitions. Bette had a love for animals and there was never a shortage of fur babies to add to her flock.

Every fall you could not find a more passionate college football fan. Known to many as Husker Bette, Nebraska football was embedded deep in her heart. In her later years she cheered for whatever team was wearing red to fill her days.

When her last child started school, she embarked on a career of her own, first working for Banker's Life and then retiring from Principle Financial in 1990. In her younger years she also worked as a telephone operator and she loved to share what that was like. Following her retirement, she added an enjoyment for travelling, gambling and participating in activities of the Elks Lodge #98/Does Drove #25, and the South Des Moines Senior Center.

Her life was a living testament to setting a good example, being grateful and for making the most out of every situation. Her smile spoke volumes for her even after recently losing her words.

Bette is survived by her son Vince (Val) Schweiger, her daughters Linda McCullough and Karen (Brian) Thompson; ----Grandchildren Matt (Jodi) Schweiger, Alyson McCullough, Courtney Johnson, Connor (Wendy) McCullough and Alyssa (Robert) Trimble; Great Grandchildren Noah Gracey, Wyatt and Will Schweiger, Ruthie and Cash McCullough and Ellie Trimble. She is also survived by her adopted "kids", the team at Parkridge Specialty Care who lovingly cared for her for the past six years.

Bette's life will be celebrated Friday August 21st, 2020 from 1pm to 6 pm surrounded by a river, flowers, friends and family. Please join Vince, Linda, Karen and all the kids at the Ding Darling Shelter at Birdland Park 2100 Saylor Road, Des Moines, IA 50313 as we honor this wonderful lady.

Bette would say "It is a Garden Party, Dress Smart. CoVid-19 is evil, please consider a stylish mask."

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for the establishment of a very special charitable gift that Bette had requested.

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