BARABOO - Betty Jane Paske, 81, of Baraboo, passed away after a courageous battle with her illness Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo.

Betty was born Jan. 8, 1928, in Greenfield Township, the daughter of John and Edna Kleinfeldt Thompson. On Sept. 7, 1946, she was united in marriage to Arnold Paske. He preceded her in death Sept. 18, 1996, 11 days after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Betty was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merrimac, where she was very active with teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, member of the church women's group and on the church council for more than nine years. She enjoyed watching the Badgers, Packers, NASCAR racing, and playing cards in her "500" card club.

Betty is survived by two brothers, Gene (Evelyn) Thompson and George (Teresa) Thompson, both of Baraboo; a sister, Carol (Martin) Ohlsen of Merrimac; 10 nieces and nephews; 16 great-nieces and great-nephews; two great-great-nephews, Aiden John Brown and Chase Arnold Mazur; and three special people, Tamara Anderson, Cassandra Mikle and Evie Thompson. In addition to her husband, Arnold, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John Jr.; and an infant brother, Dean.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. June 27 at Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home, Baraboo, with Pastor Joel Bratke officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service June 27 at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Zastrow Cemetery in Caledonia Township. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merrimac or the American Red Cross.