Betty Wegner

Betty Wegner, age 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 1, 2022 surrounded by her treasured family in her last days.

Betty is the only child of Philip and Elizabeth Reinhardt. She was born in Gross Sackel, Hungary, a village settled by Germans in Hungary. In 1947, at the age of 16, she immigrated to Akron with her family. Her parents introduced her to her husband, Reinhard, while he was an international exchange student at the University of Akron.

Betty often said that when looking for a husband she looked for three things: a man that genuinely respected others, a man smarter than herself and someone “easy on the eyes”. This was Reinhard. 

They married in 1952 in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. For 70 years they invested in building a legacy of a strong, loving family.

Betty graduated from South High School after attending night school for 5 years. She worked full-time while going to high school. She considered her uncles, John and Fred Neidert, some of her most influential mentors. They taught her accounting and business while she worked for them at Neidert Beer Distributing Company. Betty felt a great sense of accomplishment in putting Reinhard through college.

Betty enjoyed raising her large family with Reinhard. She was always nurturing and kind and generous and enjoyed a good laugh. She was an excellent cook. To her, being a homemaker meant “loving your home.” Even as her children became adults, she continued to support them in word and deed.

In 1967, Betty and Reinhard moved to Germany where Reinhard worked for Goodyear. In 1969, they moved to Brussels, Belgium. Their years overseas were ones of making good friends from around the world and hosting many people in their home and enjoying family travel.

Betty lived a life of true friendship and hospitality. Hundreds of people enjoyed a meal around her table, a hearty laugh and dancing together. People always wanted to come to her home to visit. She knew how to make people feel welcomed.

Betty learned to pray from her Jung Fraahe (young grandma) who she shared a bed with during her childhood in Hungary. Betty always said she had a special relationship with the Holy Spirit. It was a quiet, personal relationship, but very much alive. She was a woman of prayer. Even until her last days, she prayed for her family and many friends. Her favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art” which she was still able to sing in her last days. Betty was active in the ministry of St. Hilary’s Church for many years.

Betty had a special relationship with each of her 10 grandchildren. They all enjoyed visiting her and eating her specialty – palacinta crepes. She was always a big cheerleader of their pursuits and shared many of her life stories with them so they would know where she came from and their heritage.

Betty always looked to encourage those with whom she spent time. Respecting people was one of her highest values. She often asked people to, “Tell me something positive that is happening.”

Finally, Betty taught us all to “call people by their name” because this showed respect.

Betty’s life can never be fully expressed in writing. She is much, much more than the woman described in these few paragraphs. If you had the privilege of knowing her, you can fill in the blank… To me Betty was __________________.

Betty leaves behind her devoted husband, Reinhard; four children: Karin & Dick Warner; Eric & Debbie Wegner, Renee & Joe Maggelet, Heidi & Geoff Hill. 10 grandchildren: Brad & Mandy Wegner, Nick & Leann Wegner, Mike & Danielle Wegner, Ben Wegner & fiancé Shanley Fankhauser, Brett Hill & fiancé Sydney Arillo, Maxx Hill, Nathan & Amanda Maggelet, Natalie & Sean Prior, Nick & Andrea Maggelet, Nadia & Justin Davis; 9 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:30a.m. Monday, December 12 at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St. Fairlawn, Ohio, where friends may call 10:30-11:30.

Interment at Mount Peace Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Gennesaret at http://gennesaret.bizland.com/about.html 
Who's mission is to provide interim housing, food, training and support services for those families who are earnestly seeking to improve their lives and living conditions. Their commitment is to do this without government funding or paid staff, but by uniting our community in the true spirit of service. Gennesaret does not promote any religious organization or practices; however, it was founded on Christian principles. Encompassing their mission is our unbending goal to treat those whom we serve with respect to enable them to retain their dignity in difficult and stressful times.
Betty used to volunteer there.

The second option would be to do a Random Act of Kindness to brighten someone's day and honor Betty’s gift of spreading love and kindness.
 

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