Elizabeth (Bette) Wuest
Elizabeth (Bette) Wuest, 91, of Fond du Lac, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the Hospice Home of Hope – surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on January 12, 1934, in Byron, the daughter of Roman and Anna Mae (Burke) Braun. She attended Fond du Lac High School. On November 12, 1955 she married Bernard (Bernie) Wuest, and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary prior to Bernie’s passing on Sept. 4, 2020.
While raising five children, Bette was employed by Wisconsin Telephone, Prange’s, Avon and finally Fond du Lac Department of Social Services until her retirement in 1994. After retiring, Bette and Bernie spent their winter months in Arizona for 16 years. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She was a proud member of the “Nauti-Gals”/Fond du Lac Yacht Club, the Junior Federated Women’s Club (serving as president) and is a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, of the Holy Family Parish. Bette was a talented and meticulous seamstress, and took great pride in making incredible American Girl doll clothes and adorable Christmas dresses for her granddaughters on an annual basis…not to mention the beautiful personalized needlepoint gifts created for each and every grandchild & great-grandchildren upon their birth.
Bette was a wonderful wife to her husband and a devoted & loving mother to her surviving 5 children: Cheri Hoyt of Fond du Lac, Mike (Julie) Wuest of Sun Prairie, Patti (Allan) Anich of Fond du Lac, Mark (Karen) Wuest of Fond du Lac, and Lauri Callahan of Fond du Lac. She was an amazing Grandma and is survived by 9 grandchildren: Bryan (Kate) Anich, Matt (Stasha) Wuest, Lauren (Bob) Biolo, Lindsay (Shawn) Bartelt, Aaron (Lauren) Anich, Josh Hoyt, Jordan (Stephen) Bauer, Calli (Jake)
Diederich and Grace Pausma. She was extremely proud to also be called Great-Grandma by her 14 great-grandchildren: Elin, Sophie, Bennett, Lucie, Jack, Linley, Isla, Lawson, Frances, Derrick, Allie, Mia, Willem & Leighton. She is also survived by two sisters – Patti (Dale) Kuen and Janet (Dave) Gulig Ahern; and one brother – Jim (Donna) Braun, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Bette was preceded in death by an infant son, Edward Roman, her parents and in-laws, Edward and Julia (Olig) Wuest, one sister, Alice Burns, and son-in-law, Jim Hoyt. In addition, preceding her in death were several brother and sisters-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: A private family service will be held. Bette will be laid to rest next to her husband at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
Bette’s family would like to give a special thank you to the incredibly caring, compassionate, and loving staff at The Meadows and The Manor at the Meadows of Fond du Lac, as well as the excellent staff at the Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials are greatly appreciated to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute.
Visit www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.