Elizabeth J. Christel, age 80, a resident of St. Nazianz, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, August 07, 2012 at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer.

Betty was born on January 7, 1932 in Clarks Mills to the late Louis and Agnes Jirik Denk. She attended classes at St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and Valders High School. On June 6, 1953, Betty married Bob Christel at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clarks Mills. She dedicated her life to raising her five children. Betty was a wonderful cook and homemaker. She enjoyed bowling, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her family and her sisters that she considered to be her best friends. Betty was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church in St. Nazianz.

Survivors include Betty's husband of 59 years, Bob; five children and their spouses: Debby and Rod Presl, Two Rivers; Kathy and Tom Schleis, Brillion; Randy and Tammy Christel, Northfield, MN; Rick Christel and Deb Christel, Valders; Bob and Lori Christel, Hartford; 11 grandchildren: Derrick (Lindsay) Hermann, Tessa Hermann, Ryan Schleis, Lauren, Brady, and Brandon Christel, Logan and Greyson Christel, Caleb, MaKensie, and Noah Christel; two step grandchildren: Jayme (Jason) Schwoerer and Shanna (Mike) Donaher; four great grandchildren; three sisters: Georgiana Witt, Marge (Fred) Burkart, and Pat Crittendon, all of Manitowoc; a special niece: Jayette (Bob) Marsicek; also many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Betty was preceded in death by two brothers: Louis Jr. and John Denk; three sisters and six brothers-in-law: Dolores (Robert) Kohlbeck, Irene (Art) Zipperer, Ruth (LeRoy) McCarthy, Bill Crittendon, Paul Vogel, and Lloyd Witt.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 214 Church Street, St. Nazianz, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Rev. Patrick Nelson will officiate with entombment to take place at Calvary Mausoleum. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Betty's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Yetter, the staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, and the staff of Holy Family Memorial Home Care and Hospice for the care and compassion they provided.