Bethel Ruth Potente

Bethel Ruth (Weiss) Potente, age 94, of Golden Valley, MN, died December 15, 2023. Bethel was born June 2, 1929, in Buffalo Township, Minnesota, to Rev. Joseph and Dorothea (Balfanz) Weiss. She was preceded in death by her husband, Demetrio "Deme"; and siblings, Irene, Edward, Melvin, Marvin and Adeline. She is survived by her sister, Josephine Palmer; and half-brother, Harold Weiss. She was baptized in Buffalo and confirmed in Nicollet, MN. The family moved often as parishes needed a pastor, so Bethel attended school in Hutchinson, Brownton and Nicollet, and graduated from Annandale High School in 1946. Special school memories were playing piano in 5th grade for group singing and winning first prize in the county spelling contest in Hutchinson Country school for spelling 150 words correctly at age 10. She also loved playing hymns on the organ in her father's parishes. Bethel sometimes rode along with her father when he visited church members in the hospital. While she waited in the car, she watched the nurses at work through the large hospital windows and knew she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. When once asked, "What has been difficult for you?" Bethel wrote, "Mother's death November 5, 1945. I was 16, Adeline 14 and Josephine 12." Life was difficult then as Bethel assumed many of the responsibilities of their mother plus working at a bakery scrubbing the wood floors and milking the cows before going to school. Thanks to kind friends who loaned her money, Bethel was able to attend Hamline-Asbury School of Nursing where she received two nursing awards and earned her Registered Nursing Degree (RN) in 1951. That was a very proud day! Bethel worked at Asbury Hospital from 1951 - 1958. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Dr. Demetrio (Deme) Potente and they were engaged on Valentine's Day and married at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN, on May 17, 1958. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before Deme passed away June 3, 2022. Bethel worked at Sister Kenny Institute and Abbott Northwestern Hospital from 1959 through 1991. There she was "recognized for her caring, professional attitude toward her patients; her interaction with physicians in ways that are helpful to the physician and patient; her kindness toward patients and their visitors and families." Although they had no children of their own, they were very involved in the lives of their nieces and nephews, helping out when they were born, having them stay overnight or taking them to the State Fair or the DQ and sometimes even to a drive-in movie! To the delight of all the cousins, they hosted many gatherings at their home. It was so much fun to spend time all together. She was like a second mom who continued to look out for us until her last day. Bethel was a kind woman of strong Faith whose greatest joy came in helping others, whether that was bringing a meal to someone in need or lifting the spirits of someone who needed encouragement, it was all important to her and she just did what needed to be done. Bethel loved people and was quick to show appreciation for anything one did to help her. Our deepest thanks to all who cared for and loved our sweet Bethel, especially this past year. We want to recognize Global Pointe Director of Nursing, Steve Hoppe and his caring staff as well as Lifespark Hospice whose team were all so helpful in keeping Bethel's pain down and her spirits up. You have all been God's angels here on earth and we love you. Funeral service to be held on Thursday, December 21, at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials can be made out to Calvary Lutheran Church. For those who are unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available at: events.calvary.org

Tributes

Bethel Ruth Potente

June 2, 1929 - December 15, 2023

Tributes

Bethel Ruth Potente

June 2, 1929 - December 15, 2023

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