Betty Ann Wirtjes (Paulson), age 93, of Alexandria, formerly of Wheaton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2026, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Pastor Ed Borchardt officiating. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m., Friday afternoon, at the Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton.

Visitation will take place from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, October 8th, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexndria and will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Betty Ann Wirtjes (Paulson) was born on April 5, 1933, to Axel and Matie (Schmitz) Paulson in Wheaton, Minnesota. She shared 50 years of marriage with the love of her life, Paul L. Wirtjes, who preceded her in death on December 18, 2000.

Betty devoted her life to her family. A homemaker by choice, she filled each day with love for her children, grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren. She was known for her constant smile and the warmth she brought to her home.

Betty loved cooking and baking, and her children fondly remembered coming home to the smell of homemade treats. As she cooked, she could often be heard singing or whistling “Que Sera, Sera,” a song whose message of accepting the future and letting go of worry reflected her peaceful outlook on life. She was also artistic and enjoyed painting and ceramics. She also loved to garden, and canning what she grew.

Betty took great pride in the lives her children built. In her later years, she often said she was at peace knowing her children were doing well and that she had raised them right. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and greatest joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Wirtjes; son Mark Wirtjes; grandson Rocky Lund; granddaughter Tara Simonson; parents, Axel and Matie Paulson; sisters, Gladys Statema and Lila Johnson; and a baby brother who died in infancy.

Betty is survived by her seven children, Steve and Margo Wirtjes of Bonita Springs, Ron and Kris Wirtjes of Wheaton, Gin and Rick Simonson of Wheaton, Butch and Brenda Wirtjes of Millerville, Nancy and Monte Lund of Millerville, Scott and Carrie Wirtjes of Alexandria, and Kim and Doug Hellerud of Lonsdale; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Betty will be deeply missed and forever loved by the friends and family she devoted her life to.