Bette Daggett 82, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, January 3rd, after a short stay in the Frazee Care Center.
Bette Mae (Elizabeth) Athmann was born on April 17, 1931 to Edward and Reina (Hopfner) Athmann. She grew up in Beaulieu, Minnesota with her brother Delore and her sister Florine. They lived in the village, where her family owned and operated the general store. Her love of music began at an early age, dancing to the tunes of the Athmann Boys. Later, the Athmann family moved into Mahnomen where she graduated from High School in 1948.
Bette attended Interstate Business College in Fargo ND and then worked at Gamble Robinson Wholesalers in Fargo. On a blind date she met Marvin Daggett, the love of her life. They were married on October 10, 1954 in Moorhead, MN. Bette and Marvin made their home in Frazee and raised their four children, Julie, Ann, Bob and Fred.
Bette and Marvin were active volunteers for the community of Frazee. When Marvin was co-chairman of the first annual Frazee Turkey Day in 1955, Bette co-chaired the first Turkey Day queen Contest. Years later, Bette started the Turkey Trot and the Turkey Crawl, and continued support for many community activities. Bette was part of organizing the community of Frazee to bid "Good Morning America" on the popular ABC morning television show. Camp Fire Girls, Cub Scouts, and later Beautify Frazee, Neighbor to Neighbor, Hospice and Tour of Homes were some activities that kept Bette on the go, all making Frazee a better place to live.
Bette was a gracious hostess, and truly enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Her warm personality made all feel welcome. The traditions she established will continue to enrich the lives of her family and friends.
As member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bette taught religious education for many years, served in ministries, Christian Mothers and Paradise Singers. Always seeking to grow in faith, daily Mass and bible studies were important. Loving and serving our Lord was the way Bette lived her life.
When Marvin died suddenly In May of 1993, Bette called a group of widows together for coffee. That was the beginning of the WACCs (Widows Afternoon Coffee Club). This group has grown over the years and continues to gather for support, love, and friendship. She worked for the Furey Funeral Home for six years in an After Care support position.
Being surrounded by family was Bette's greatest joy. She believed in the importance of family meals and her family holds them in high value. When she would plan "Grandchildren Only" time, it would always include an activity of special meaning. Grandma Bette enjoyed a special bond with each grandchild. Passing on her faith and love of family to her entire family came natural, as God's light shined through her.
Bette is survived by two daughters and two sons; Julie Hardmeyer, Fargo, ND, Ann (Pete) Graham, Crookston, MN, Robert (Christy) Daggett, Naples, FL. and Fred (Christine) Daggett of Frazee; fourteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother Delore (Delores) Athmann of Mahnomen, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Lois Gernbacher of Edina, Will and Patty Martin of Palos Park, Ill., Delta and Karen Daggett and David and Roxann Daggett of Frazee, also loved by many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, infant son Joey, parents and sister Florine (Charles) Driscoll.
Visitation is Thursday, January 9th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the wake service at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass at 4:00 pm Friday, January 10th. Both services held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 202 Maple Ave. West in Frazee.
Memorials may be directed to the family and will be given to Bette's favorite causes.