Betty J. Kraut

Betty Jane Kraut, born on October 10, 1930, in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau, Wisconsin.

Betty was the daughter of Harvey and Eunice (Crain) Brooks. She grew up alongside her siblings, who preceded her in death: her brothers, Harold, Robert, and Floyd Brooks, and her sisters, Eleanore Behnisch, Alta Calkins, and Hazel Mierow. Though she faced the trials of losing loved ones, Betty always carried their memories close to her heart, using her warmth and kindness to bring comfort to those around her.

Throughout her life, Betty dedicated herself to her family and her work. She was a 1949 graduate of Fox Lake High School. Betty spent over 20 years working in the Food Department at Clearview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she not only cared for the residents but also became one herself in the last 12 years of her life. Her compassion and dedication to her work were evident to all who knew her.

Betty was a proud member of the community and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau. She cherished the connections she made and was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. In her downtime, Betty enjoyed traveling and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, proudly sharing her birthday with the team’s legendary quarterback, Brett Favre. Each year, she looked forward to attending the annual Fall Celebration in Wisconsin Dells, a tradition that brought her joy and allowed her to connect with friends and family.

Betty is survived by her loving daughter, Shirley (Reid) Nehls of Juneau; grandsons, Jonathan (Chelsea) Nehls of Hustisford and Matthew (Misti Reader) Nehls of Juneau, as well as her great grandchildren, Brooke, Alex, and Carter Nehls; and a longtime family friend, Debbie Kintopp. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Thank you to all the Clearview staff that cared for and loved Betty as much as she loved all of you. You will be forever in our hearts. Also, thank you to all staff of Common Heart Hospice.

A gathering will be held at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. with Chaplain Ray Bezanson officiating. Private inurnment will be at Highland Memory Gardens in the Town of Trenton, Dodge County, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be made in Betty J. Kraut’s name to Clearview Employee Appreciation Fund or to Common Heart Hospice.