Betty L Almen

Betty Louise Almen, age 95 of Park River, ND passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Park River Good Samaritan Center.

Betty was born February 17, 1930, in Walsh County, ND, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hein) Nelson. She grew up in the rural Grafton, ND area and attended Grafton schools until moving with her mother to Portland, OR where she graduated from Grant High School. Betty married Ardell Almen on June 7, 1949, and, after a few temporary residences, settled into farm life on the Almen family farmstead. Upon her marriage she became a member of the former South Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was active in Ladies Aid and other committees.

During her teen years in Portland she developed a love for the ocean. Over the years, Betty and Ardell made many trips to California to visit family, giving them the opportunity to spend time at the ocean. On the farm, they extended warm hospitality to many visitors. Betty was an excellent cook. She and Ardell had a garden every year, and she spent countless hours canning and freezing their garden produce. Betty loved reading and doing crosswords. She was known for her engaging smiles and hugs, which she shared freely, even while a resident at the Good Samaritan Center. Betty and Ardell created a loving home for their six children. She delighted in her family and leaves a legacy of kindness and love.

Betty is survived by her children, Jeff (Sandra), Grafton; Susie (Bruce) Mitz, Minot, ND; Jim (Ross), Laguna Beach, CA; Mary (Dave) Goehle, Minnetonka, MN; and Dean (Gwen), Park River, ND; son-in-law, AJ Lauer, SeaTac, WA; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sisters-in-law, Mavis Almen, Grafton, and Carol Nelson, Meadow, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Rose Lauer; grandson, Mike Goehle; parents; stepfather, Frank Salfer; parents-in-law, Andrew and Emma Almen; brothers, Gordon and Don; sister, Dorothy; brothers-in-law, Lynn Almen and Norman “Sam” Gjersvold; and sisters-in-law, Avanelle Gjersvold and Mary Nelson.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at South Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Grafton. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Heritage Village in Grafton.

Memorials may be made to the Park River Ambulance Service or First Care Health Center in Park River.