Farmers Weekly Review

Joanne (Lahti) Bettenhausen Krapf, 95, of Manhattan, passed away on Saturday, June 22, at Riverside Miller Healthcare in Kankakee.

She was born on September 3, 1928, the daughter of John and Josephine Lahti. Joanne married William E. Bettenhausen. He preceded her in death in June 1968. Joanne married William C. Krapf on April 16, 1986. He preceded her in death in November 2020.

Joanne spent 44-plus years in township government. She was appointed Green Garden Township assessor in February 1973 and was re-elected assessor every four years until retiring on December 31, 2017.

After graduation from high school, Joanne entered the banking industry in Chicago at Continental Illinois National. She continued her banking career at two local banks, Bremen Bank & Trust Company and Frankfort State Bank as bookkeeper, teller, proof operator and secretary. Also, Joanne worked for Rich Township School District as head bookkeeper.

With her interest in Will County and local government, Joanne shifted gears and went to work as Deputy clerk for the Will County Clerk, Secretary in the Will County Sheriff’s office and appraiser for the Supervisor of Assessment office.

Joanne raised four children and was active in PTA and other school events. She was a long-time member of the Green Garden United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer and secretary, as well as many other volunteer duties.

Surviving are her children, Roger (Kathleen) Bettenhausen, of Frankfort, IL, Larry (Diane) Bettenhausen of Conyers, GA, Steven (Diane) Bettenhausen of Lakeland, FL, and Joy (the late Tom) Brueggert, of Manhattan, IL; her grandchildren, Rhea (Matt) Hespen, Ryan (Deanna) Bettenhausen, Aaron Bettenhausen, Jason (Robin) Bettenhausen, Megan Bettenhausen, Joshua Bettenhausen, Corey (Sydney) Bettenhausen, Randy (Alexis) Brueggert, and Derek Brueggert.

During her later years, Joanne genuinely enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brady and Beckett Hespen, and Colin, Reed, Graham and Grace Bettenhausen. Unfortunately, Joanne will miss the arrival of another great-grandchild expected in September. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her brothers, John Lahti (2008), Andrew Lahti (1998); a sister, Irene Bergum (2010) and twin sister, Navonne Devlin (1998).

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, July 8, at Green Garden Greenview Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice, Bourbonnais, IL, or Green Garden United Methodist Church, Manhattan, IL.

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