Elizabeth (Betty) Shimek

Elizabeth (Betty) Shimek, 88, of Plainview MN (formerly of Rochester MN), died on September 20, 2024, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Betty spent her final summer doing what she loved most: spending time with family and visiting the casino.

Betty (Klimesh) Shimek was born January 19, 1936, the 8th child of Joseph and Albina Klimesh in Conover IA. She attended Madison #5 Country School and St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. She later obtained her GED.

Betty married Victor Shimek on October 4, 1954. The couple began their life together farming near Spillville and then Bluffton IA, before moving to Peterson MN, where they continued to farm. After selling that farm, Victor took a position at the Watkins Research Farm near Winona MN. In 1966, they settled in Henrytown MN and three years later moved to Harmony MN, where they raised their family.

Betty was a devoted farm wife and later held various jobs including at Harmony Enterprises, as Harmony City Clerk, and with the Harmony Post Office. She was a volunteer with the Harmony Ambulance Service. In 1979, Betty and Vic moved to Rochester where Betty finished her Post Office career at the Rochester Post Office, retiring in 1996. Post-retirement, Betty lovingly cared for two of her grandchildren and several other children. After her daughter and family moved from Rochester, Betty worked part-time as a Para for the Rochester Public School District.

A dedicated mother, Betty instilled in her four daughters the importance of being strong, independent women. Her grandkids and great grandkids were the joy of her life. In her free time, Betty enjoyed gardening, camping with the grandkids, doing needlework, bird watching, or socializing with friends and family. In later years, she also found joy in trips to the casino, or playing cards and dominos. She was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, following the games on the TV or radio.

Betty was a long time participant in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging and, upon her death, donated her body to Mayo Clinic for research.

Betty is survived by her husband Vic and daughters Kathy (David) Olson of Lakeville MN, Cynthia (Richard) Kahn of Plainview MN, and Sheila Shimek of Winona MN. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren: William LeGere, Devon Pritchett, Elizabeth (Beth) Schneider, Mary Kahn, Jesse Kahn, Danielle (Dani) Wolf, Mathea Olson and Lukas Olson; and 12 great grandchildren: Precious Paetzel, Maria Pritchett, Eidan Pritchett, Alexis Krage, Lilly LeGere, Carly LeGere, Graysen Schneider, Josephine Schneider, Gavin Schneider, Charlie Schneider, Georgia Schneider, and Claira Wolf. One daughter, Sandra (Ed) Tomashek, preceded her in death.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024; 1:00-4:00 pm; Plainview Community Center, 234 W Broadway, Plainview MN.

Memorials are suggested to Seasons Hospice, Rochester MN, or Green Prairie Assisted Living, Plainview MN.