Elizabeth M. "Betty" Close, age 81, of Kiel died Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. She is the former Betty Heideman, born October 4, 1934 in Waterloo, WI; daughter of the late Roman & Alma (Hotmar) Heideman. Betty graduated from Waterloo High School with the class of 1952 and later attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison. On September 9, 1954 she was united in marriage to George Close. The couple lived in Plymouth a short time before moving to Kiel in 1957.

Betty worked for many years at F&M Bank in Kiel until she retired in 1991 with the title of Assistant Vice President. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Kiel, the Audubon Society, Woodland Dunes and Homemakers Club. Betty's summers were spent camping with family. Many happy times were enjoyed at the Wolf River cabin. Betty loved bird watching and pressing flowers. She enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and mahjong with her friends. After retirement winters were spent in Fort Myers, Fl. She enjoyed the warm weather, walking the beach and collecting shells. She also liked doing crafts, most recently making greeting cards and beading. She lovingly made memory books for each of her five grandchildren and gathered cherished family recipes for the "Close Family Cookbook".

Survivors include her children; Steven (Cynthia) Close, Fox Point, Stacy (Kim) Stokdyk, Sheboygan, Sue Kinneston, Kiel, her grandchildren; Abbey (Tom) Kovac, Colin Close, Zachary (Kellyn Schneider) Stokdyk, Olivia & Annabel Kinneston along with one great grandchild; Parker. Betty is further survived by a niece, two nephews, other relatives and friends.

Betty was reunited with her husband George of 60 years, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Barbara Birns.

Funeral Service for Betty will take place at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, 815 6th Street, Kiel. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Cheryl Lepak, with cremation to follow.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 4:00 PM until the time of service at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, Rocky Knoll Health Care Center and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of the care and compassion shown to Betty and her family.