Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Neu

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Neu, 91, of Watkins, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Cloud Hospital.

A time for visitation will take place from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Church of St. Anthony. Funeral liturgy will start at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jeffrey Horejsi officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

Betty was born on June 25, 1932, on the family farm outside of Watkins, MN, to Hubert and Teresa (Hennen) Loch, one of six children. She attended school through the eighth grade in a one-room country schoolhouse, and then spent her time helping around the house, babysitting, and doing jobs for neighbors. On February 18, 1950, she married Victor Neu at the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins, and to their union they welcomed eight children: Shirley, Larry, Lloyd, Deanna, Jim, Bill, Patty, and Robert.

Betty had several jobs over the years, most notably at Animal Fair and Garment Factory as a seamstress. She enjoyed playing cards with her card group, Bingo (earning her the nickname, “Bingo Betty”), and the occasional visit to the casino. She was a great cook and baker, especially for the holidays when she made dressing, potato salad, and rolls. Betty also loved to do needlework, crocheting, knitting, and was an avid reader of Catholic books. She also enjoyed sitting on her porch in the summer and visiting with people who stopped by. 

Betty was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of the Church of St. Anthony. She loved going to church on Sundays and spending the rest of the day with family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were a very important part of her life.

Left to cherish Betty’s memory are her children: Shirley (John) Johnson of Clearwater, MN; Larry (Lori) Neu of Pennsylvania; Lloyd Neu of Atwater; Deanna Langer of Watkins; Jim (Dori Hamilton) Neu of Watkins; Bill Neu of Watkins; and Patty (Jim) Stelten of Kimball, MN; grandchildren: Jenny, April, Becky, Aaron, Cody, Laura, Brad, Shelly, Josh, Jason, Angie, Mandy, and Brent; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Sharon and Rosie Loch.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Victor; son, Robert; her son-in-law, John Langer, and siblings: Vernon, Leo, Harold, Dorothy Leither, and Leona Weiss.