Betty Falada

Friday, May 28, 2021 9:11 am

Betty Falada, age 83, of Decorah, passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at her home outside of Decorah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m.., Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding.  Burial will be in the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Protivin. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.

Betty Ann (Fencl) Falada was born on Nov. 4, 1937 the daughter of Alois and Alice (Lukes) Fencl on their farm near Protivin, IA. She graduated from Rudolphinum Catholic School in 1956. She attended nursing school in Rochester, MN. Betty started working in OB at Smith Memorial Hospital and continued into the new Hospital in Decorah from 1966 until she retired. She was known for having a very calming and comforting effect on the families she worked with. Betty was a very welcoming person and enjoyed talking to everyone. Taking care of her “babies” – “little shits” at times (3 dogs), gardening, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, going to the casino, playing pool and reading were some of her favorite pastimes. She especially loved going to the family reunions. She was affectionately known as “Ma Betty” or “Gramma Betty” by many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children: Lori Falada, LaCrosse, WI; Sue (Jeff) Hazard, Rochester, MN; Jane Falada, Eagan, MN; Tom Falada, Decorah, IA. Grandchildren: Thomas and Lizzy Hazard. Brothers: Leonard (Doris) Fencl, Protivin, IA; Victor (Sharla) Fencl, Protivin, IA; Ernie (Martha) Fencl, Cedar Falls, IA. Fur babies: Angel, Halo and Growly.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Alois and Alice (Lukes) Fencl. Son: Jim Falada in 1996. Sister: MaryAnn (Willie) Andera. Brother: Jim Fencl

The family requests that everyone attending please dress casual. Betty wouldn’t want everyone to dress up. Many thanks to Dr. Kevin Locke, the Winneshiek Ambulance Crew and Mark Balik and Scott Helms (Schluter-Balik Funeral Home) for their tremendous help, support and patience during this very difficult time.