Bette June Kjos

Bette J. Kjos age 90 of Detroit Lakes, MN died January 9, 2015 at The Cottage of Ecumen Community in Detroit Lakes, MN. Bette Sime was born on November 5, 1924 to immigrant Norwegian parents Jorgen and Betzy (Paulsen) Sime. She grew up and graduated from Johnson High School. After attending the University of Minnesota for one year, she and her sister went to Pasco, WA to work for the Dupont Co. If they stayed for one year the government would pay for their transportation. This plant was later known as one phase of the atomic bomb project. Bette returned to St. Paul after the war and worked as an underwriter for the Aetna Insurance Co. On roller skates at a pavilion on Green Lake at Spicer, MN, Bette met Rollie for the first time. After a three year courtship they were married on August 26, 1950 at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Paul. They moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where Rollie had one semester left for a degree at Augustana College. While in Sioux Falls Bette worked as a secretary for the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Co. In 1956 they moved to St. Paul so Rollie could further his education at the University of Minnesota. In 1957 they moved to Austin, MN and Bette attended the Austin Junior College, and also worked as secretary for the Austin Public Schools. In 1959 they moved to Detroit Lakes, where Rollie went to work for the West Bros. Funeral Home and Furniture Store. In 1962 they purchased ½ interest in the business from Tom West, and Bette was secretary and bookkeeper for the business. The church was an important part of her life and she often expressed her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and often led her Bible Study Group. For two years she took a concentrated study of the old and new testament called, "The Bethel Bible Series." A week review was spent in Madison, WI with the author of the study. Upon returning she taught the study for three years to members of the congregation. Although she never had children, her home was always a place of much activity after a young niece came to live with them. She was a mentor to many and hosted an exchange student from Norway and Denmark. Bette was always active in sports and she and Rollie enjoyed the cross country ski trails at Tamarac and Maplelag. She bowled with a team in league play and competed in several WIBC tournaments. Golfing was another of her enjoyments, and she served as president of the D.L. Women's Golf Assn. She loved to play duplicate bridge, and with her husband competed in many regional and national tournaments. After attending real estate classes at the D.L. VoTech, Bette earned a MN real estate license, but never pursued a career in the field. She also served on the committee that organized the food pantry. Bette was a charter member of the D.L. Sons of Norway, and a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxillary. She is survived by her husband Rolland; one brother, Robert (June) Sime, of Thousand Oaks, CA; one sister, Adeline Hopkins, of Granada Hills, CA; nieces, Kathy Tank, Janet Raymond, and Anita Jader; and a special family member, Samantha Duong.