Betty Jean Case

In Loving Memory of Betty Jean Case

Betty Jean (Gates) Case, age 67, passed away on September 3, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Betty was born on October 10, 1958, in Hawarden, Iowa. She spent approximately the last ten years of her life living in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

Betty graduated from high school and later attended college. Throughout her life, she worked for many years in general labor while also taking on one of her most important roles-being a mother. As a single mother, Betty worked hard and always made sure the people she loved were taken care of, often putting their needs before her own.

Betty will be remembered for her sweet and kind nature, her big heart, and the smile she so often carried on her face. She enjoyed meeting people, making friends, and making others laugh with the stories she loved to tell. Those who knew Betty will surely remember one of her favorite sayings: "Whatever."

She found happiness in the simple things in life. Betty loved diamond painting, painting projects, thrift shopping, and riding her electric scooters around town. Her favorite color was pink, and one of her favorite meals was Dairy Queen chicken strips with gravy.

Betty especially loved going on outings and going to the movie theater, where she enjoyed watching movies from the comfort of the reclining seats. Those outings became treasured memories for her family.

Betty was a fighter. Throughout her life, she faced numerous illnesses with strength and perseverance, including previously battling cancer. She continued fighting until her final battle with lung cancer.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Case, who passed away June 23, 2019; her father, Frank Gates, who passed away March 6, 1996; her mother, Eugenia (Gadbaw) Gates, who passed away May 17, 2005; and her brother, Robert Gates, who passed away June 30, 2024.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Victoria Nitschke and Elizabeth Neville; 2 step children ; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; her sisters, Kathy Wurtz, Rosemary Kuehl, Christie Frickie, and Eva Inguanzo; and her brother, Frankie Gates, along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

Her daughter Victoria & Elizabeth remembers her simply and lovingly: "We couldn't have asked for a better mother."

Betty always made sure everyone else was taken care of before herself. Her love, laughter, kindness, strength, and the memories created with her will never be forgotten.

Cremation is being handled by Sturm Funeral & Cremation Services in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at 14 Monument Street Hermann Heights Park in New Ulm, Minnesota, near the Hermann Monument at the top of the hill.

Betty may no longer be here to take another scooter ride, search for her next thrift-store treasure, enjoy her favorite chicken strips and gravy, or settle into a recliner for another movie, but those little things will forever bring back memories of the woman her family loved so dearly.

Rest peacefully, Betty. Your fight is over. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten. 🕊️💗