Betty Joy Hart

 Betty Joy Hart, age 70, passed away on April 18, 2026, due to complications from multiple sclerosis.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Marvin Willman of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her brothers, Russell (Dorene) Hart of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Charles (Patricia) Hart of Pembina, North Dakota; and her sisters, Carol (DuWayne) Menke of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Cathy (Art) Degelder of Pembina, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milfred and Myrtle (Peabody) Hart of Pembina, North Dakota.

Born on July 1, 1955, in Hallock, Minnesota, Betty grew up with a strong sense of curiosity and compassion. She graduated from Pembina High School and went on to attend Wichita State University, where she earned a degree in general studies with an emphasis on U.S. history, sociology, and psychology.

Following her education, Betty dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a paramedic for Sedgwick County, Kansas, and later as a heart monitoring technician at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. Her commitment to helping others was a defining part of her life.

In the early 1970s, Betty proudly served her country in the United States Navy. She was stationed primarily in Pensacola, Florida, and Adak, Alaska. During her time in Alaska, she played a vital role monitoring Russian submarines, aircraft, and satellites, carefully documenting and reporting critical information.

Betty also had a creative spirit and a love for detail, expressed through her beautiful needlework and her passion for assembling and decorating intricate miniature dollhouses. She also found great joy in travel, especially during winters spent in Nashville, Tennessee, where she delighted in exploring the beauty and culture of the area.

Later in life, Betty settled in Hudson, Wisconsin, where she met and married her beloved husband, Marvin. She spent her final years at Hammond Health Center in Hammond, Wisconsin, where she was surrounded by compassionate caregivers.

Betty’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hammond Health Center and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness shown to her.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m.

Betty will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the quiet, meaningful ways she touched the lives of those around her. She will be deeply missed.

Click here to watch Betty's memorial service live