Betty J. Johannsen, age 81, of La Porte City, died Saturday, November 1, 2014 at the La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center.

She was born November 9, 1932 in rural Black Hawk County, the daughter of Aloysius John “A.J.” and Julia Helen (Becker) Oberhauser. Betty graduated from La Porte City High School with the Class of 1950. She was united in marriage with Donald M. “Rosey” Johannsen on April 11, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte City. He preceded her in death on August 7, 2011.

Betty was the head cook at La Porte City Elementary School for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Choir, the Birthday Club, American Legion Auxiliary, LPC Garden Club and an honorary member of the La Porte City Women’s Club.

Betty enjoyed and excelled at knitting and crocheting. She made and donated many afghans for fund raising events in La Porte City. She loved music and played the accordion and the organ. Betty volunteered at the La Porte City Nursing Home and La Porte City Senior Center for many years and enjoyed entertaining everyone by playing the organ. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include a son, Kent (Mary) Johannsen of La Porte City; 3 daughters, Susan Robinson of Washington, D.C., Becci Reedus of Coralville, IA and Lisa Johannsen of Rochester Hills, MI; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter; her twin brother, Bernard (Mary Lou) Oberhauser of La Porte City and a sister, Helen Schweer of Grimes, IA.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 2 daughters, Dana Suzanne Johannsen and Kathleen Suzanne Johannsen; a sister, Lillian Taylor and 2 brothers, Henry and Donald Oberhauser.