Betty J. Boehnke

Betty J. Boehnke (Hettinger), 82, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 15, 2022. The unexpected matriarch of a family that has strong roots in northern Colorado, Betty exemplified the regions ideals of kindness, hard work, and a love of God and family.

Born in Windsor, Colorado, in 1940, Betty was the second youngest of 11 children.  Her parents, Henry E. Hettinger and Elizabeth (Aab), were German who came to the United States via Russia during the early part of the 20th century. Forever proud of her heritage, Betty remained a student of Russian/German history her entire life.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, one niece and two nephews. She is survived by her husband Walter, her son Brian (Jennifer Blom), her daughter Susan (Chris Vanderveen), three grandchildren (Conner Boehnke, 19; Hailey Boehnke, 16; and Lila Vanderveen, 11), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A student of learning and life, Betty was the first in her family to graduate from college (University of Northern Colorado).  She later received a Masters of Education which she used to help her continue to strengthen the minds of hundreds of students over a 30-year career as a teacher within the Aurora Public Schools system. Fourth grade was her favorite year to teach.

After three dates, one of which involved an autumn stroll through Denver’s Washington Park, Betty fell in love with Walter W. Boehnke.  On June 20, 1970, the farm girl from Colorado married the farm boy from Iowa. The couple welcomed Brian into the world in 1973.  Susan arrived three years later.  Betty fiercely loved both and felt a deep sense of pride and joy as she witnessed the great people they became.

A reservoir of wisdom, Betty provided a calm, steady ear to family during frequent phone calls, house visits and the occasional Happy Hour.

One of Betty’s greatest joys in life was her grandchildren.  Whether it was Conner’s recent decision to attend Colorado State University or Hailey’s continued academic excellence, Betty wasn’t just a grandma. She was a cheerleader.  She relished the chance to root for the ones she so deeply loved. When Lila joined the family in early 2019, Betty welcomed her with open arms. Family was always Betty’s bedrock.

Recently, while recalling a lifetime of fond memories, she said one of the fondest involved an Alaskan cruise  Surrounded by her husband, her children and their spouses, and her grandchildren, she loved the time spent together, including the nightly meals with her entire immediate family.

For more than a half-century, Walt and Betty Boehnke were best friends. Together, they explored a love of wine and travel.  Sometimes their wanderings led them no farther than their beloved Colorado mountains and the trails and restaurants of Frisco.  More often than not, however, you could find them sipping wine on a riverboat cruise on the Rhine River, exploring the tulip fields of the Netherlands or honoring American veterans on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Walt was her soulmate.  A constant companion throughout decades of change. They didn’t just live a life of love. They loved the life they lived. Together.

Betty also loved reading, her backyard flower garden, Andrea Bocelli and a good glass of Gruner Veltliner.  Her faith guided her throughout her life. God provided her with a roadmap, one to which she faithfully followed during her 82 years on earth.

To suggest she was greatly loved would be an understatement.  To suggest she will be greatly missed would be even more of one.

To end as she wanted: “God Bless You All.  Auf Weidersein!”

In lieu of flowers, her family asks you to consider making a donation in her name to the American Cancer Society or Lutheran Family Services.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 26. For more information, contact susaneliza8@gmail.com .