Kotte, Betty L. (Kite)

Betty L. (Kite) Kotte

Betty L. (Kite) Kotte, age 93 of Highland, peacefully passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023, surrounded by family at her home in the town of Pulaski, after encountering complications from a stroke. Betty was born on November 24, 1929, in Dodgeville to Buford and Mae Kite. Betty grew up on the family farm in Highland. On January 9, 1946, Betty married Lavern Kotte at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Highland. Betty raised eight children and helped Lavern on their farm. Eventually, she went and worked at St. Joseph's Hospital where the nuns taught her everything she needed to know to become a nurse and continue caring for people as a nurse for over 37 years. After her retirement in late 1990's, she continued to care for sick people and her loved ones until the time of her passing.  

In her free time, Betty enjoyed crafting through knitting, crocheting, sewing, and painting; gardening—taking great pride in her flowers, especially her roses and petunias; cooking and baking—creating specialty breads, soups, and suet pudding, and even writing and printing her own cookbook; bird watching and feeding—particularly cardinals and humming birds; reading—she read everything from Reader's Digest to historical fiction and historical romance. Betty also believed very strongly in her Catholic faith, which brought her much comfort throughout her life. Betty loved her family the most, and enjoyed her travels to visit her family. Her trips to visit family often included side travels to state parks, lakes, and other scenic locations. Betty was always occupied or on the move, earning her the beloved nick-name of "Granny Whirlwind". 

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lavern; her sons: Douglas, Michael, and Dennis; her sisters: Madelyn Gabrielson, Neva Mae Virnig, Nellie Marie Muller, Lavene Mistick, LaVetta Bryant; her brothers: David Kite and Carl Kite; and her grandson, Chad Kotte.  

She is survived by her sons: Robert (Deb), Kenneth (Tammy Dodger), Randall (Sue), and Charles; her daughter, Mary (Bev Dorn) Kotte; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her sisters: Maxine Krattiger, Charlotte Carlberg, Nancy Hach, and Carolyn Kite; her brother, Wayne Kite; and many nieces, nephews, and other family.  

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Ss. Anthony & Philip Catholic Church in Highland from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. following the visitation. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery with Fr. Alex Carmel officiating. The McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com. 

McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home

Highland      608-929-4815 

www.houckfuneralhomes.com