Elizabeth Anne Winger

Elizabeth "Betsy" Anne Winger, 76, of Edina, died peacefully on December 4 while surrounded by family and loved ones. To know Betsy was to know a woman clothed with dignity and strength, and who had no fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25-31). While Multiple Sclerosis (MS) ultimately affected every facet of Betsy's life for over 40 years, she lived beyond the disease and kept her grace and positivity until Jesus welcomed her home. Throughout her life, Betsy never met a stranger-only friends she hadn't met yet. It only took moments after meeting Betsy to feel the inspiration and warmth she generously spread. Through witness, testimony, or genuine kindness, Betsy shared the love of Christ with everyone. After graduating high school in Pierre, South Dakota, Betsy attended Cornell College in Iowa. There she majored in Art History, joined Alpha Sigma Pi sorority, and studied abroad in Paris and London. Betsy worked as an art history teacher in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, married Bill Winger in 1971, and moved to Golden Valley, Minnesota in 1973 where she was blessed with three children, Brad, Bridget, and Ben. In every respect, "together" was Betsy's favorite place to be. She cherished time with family and grandchildren-whom she absolutely adored. Whether in a Bible study or fellowship group, a P.E.O. meeting, attending countless sporting events of her children and grandchildren, or receiving and visiting loved ones, Betsy was happiest in the fellowship of others. One of her favorite times was Christmas Eve, which included church and a treasured fondue dinner with family and endless laughter late into the night. Betsy lived an active life, keeping up with various hobbies and activities. She loved the Minnesota Twins, Wheel of Fortune, and Bachman's. She was a dedicated swimmer and enjoyed the annual Minnesota State Fair, reading or listening to audiobooks, serving Meals on Wheels, and actively participating in the MS Achievement Center and the National MS Society. No matter the circumstance, Betsy could rarely resist coffee, sweets, Diet Coke, or the occasional glass of white zinfandel wine. A lifelong patron of the arts, Betsy was especially fond of music and impressionism. As an artist herself, Betsy painted with oils on canvas and taught "Art Masterpiece" in her children's Countryside elementary school classrooms. She was a talented scrapbooker, too. Betsy rejoiced in music, and especially loved singing in choir and along with Simon & Garfunkel. She always circled the next play or musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre or The Guthrie, where she was a regular for many years. While Betsy kept busy with many activities, her faith was the cornerstone of her life. In fact, Betsy moved her family to Edina in 1983 to be closer to Christ Presbyterian Church, where she became an elder. Ushers reserved Betsy's regular seat to join the congregation every Sunday for the 11 a.m. service. Through countless bible studies, Betsy knew the Bible inside and out and devoted a significant part of her life to studying scripture. The angels can now count one more among them. Betsy was born on February 15, 1947, in Mitchell, South Dakota and was the second child of Cortland and Marie Kelly. Betsy is preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Linda Kelly, and brother-in-law, Steve Johannessen. She is survived in life by sister Kate Johannessen, children Brad (Kristin) Winger, Bridget Conzemius (Chris Pricco), Ben (Jessica) Winger, grandchildren Alissa, Alex, Charlie, Henry and Abby, many nieces and nephews, former spouse Bill Winger, and countless friends including Don and Carol Krebs. The family is forever in debt to the Krebs for all of their help and support, especially in recent years. We couldn't have done it without you. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 19 at 10 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National MS Society-Betsy's Buddies, N.C. Little Hospice, or helping a family in need this holiday season.

Tributes

Elizabeth Anne Winger

February 15, 1947 - December 4, 2023

Tributes

Elizabeth Anne Winger

February 15, 1947 - December 4, 2023

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