Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Hodgson

Elizabeth “Betty” Jane (Bloechl) Hodgson, age 98, passed away on April 1, 2025, at Bell Tower Residence, while under the care of their wonderful and kind staff.

She was born on February 13, 1927 to the late Frank X. Bloechl and Barbara (Benzinger) Bloechl in Merrill, WI. Betty lived most of her life in the town of Schley. She attended the Doering Grade School through the 8th grade then Merrill High School through 10th grade.

In 1943, she married Harvey Hodgson and they operated a dairy farm in the town of Schley until Harvey retired. They were married 61 years before Harvey passed away in 2004.

Betty worked many jobs besides the dairy farm. She worked at Hansen Glove Factory, Weinbrenner shoe factory, Peterson Evergreen Business, a canning factory as well as cleaning private homes and businesses in Merrill.

Betty and Harvey had 2 children whom they raised with love in a country lifestyle. They were members of St Robert’s Bellarmine Church and then St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish.

Betty participated in many clubs including the Heller Women’s Club which started in 1943 and continued for 70 years. She was an excellent homemaker, very good cook and worked hard to take care of her family. Her skill with baking perfect jelly rolls and chiffon cakes in a wood burning oven was appreciated by her family. Betty’s grandchildren were an important part of her life.

She and Harvey enjoyed socializing with many friends. They belonged to Merry Eights square dance group, card clubs, Couples Club and a camper’s group. They traveled to many places in their retirement years including Europe, Hawaii, cruises and many states in the U.S.

Betty loved cats, flowers, gardening, a variety of types of music, reading and playing

games including 500, Sheepshead, poker, and dice. She enjoyed going to casinos with family and friends. She was usually quite lucky. She resided at Bell Tower residence for the past 5 years and enjoyed being a “lady of leisure” there.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harvey R. Hodgson, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Hilbert Hodgson, Cora Hodgson, Edna Hodgson, Chester Hodgson, Laverne Hodgson, Gene Hodgson, Lee Hodgson, Lila Hodgson, Clyde Hodgson, Shirley Hodgson, Clifford Hodgson, Mae Hodgson, Patsy Hodgson, Audrey Bloechl and Peter Sarpolus.

She is survived by her son, Robert L. Hodgson, daughter, Marilyn (Tom) Tewes, daughter-in- law, Maria Hodgson, sister, Ann (Paul Vera) Sarpolus, brother, Frank/Sonny Bloechl, sister-in-law, Ginny Hodgson, grandchildren, Steve (Raina) Hodgson, Scott (Kay Stanley) Hodgson, Dan (Karen) Hodgson, Michael (Emily) Tewes, Amy (Nick) Brunette, Anthony (Kathryn) Tewes, and James (Elizabeth) Tewes, great grandchildren, Paxton (Alex Ball) Hodgson, Kasper Hodgson, Avery Hodgson, Ethan Hodgson, Caden Hodgson, Sofie Hodgson, Sean Hodgson, Norah Tewes, Hannah Tewes, Lilly Tewes, Colin Tewes, Harper Tewes and Ella Tewes, great great grandsons, Koda Hodgson and Sterling Hodgson and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate. Burial will immediately follow Mass and take place at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home at 301 Eagle Drive in Merrill.

The Mass will be recorded for those unable to attend, and it can be found under her obituary on the funeral home website.

The family extends special thanks to the caregivers, staff, nurses, administration and pastoral care team at Bell Tower Residence for their outstanding care of Betty for the past 5 years. Also, thanks to Dr. Paul Thompson for his many years as Betty’s primary care physician and to Compassus Hospice for their support and assistance during Betty’s last days.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.