Betsy Kriesel, 78, Owatonna

Betsy Kriesel, 78, of Owatonna passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at Mill City Senior Living in Faribault after a lengthy battle with dementia.Betsy was born on June 15, 1942 to William and Eleanor Hinchley in Morristown. She attended country school in Deerfield and then graduated from Medford High School in 1960.
On Nov. 28, 1964, she married Billy Kriesel Jr. at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Owatonna. Following their marriage, they settled on the Kriesel family farm in rural Owatonna. For many years, Betsy supported her husband on the family farm. Later, she managed the Pizza Hut in Owatonna for many years.
In 1987, she and Billy moved to a home on State Avenue in Owatonna. After retiring from the Pizza Hut, Betsy worked as the secretary at Medford Public Schools until a brain tumor sidelined her career. With the support of her husband, Betsy made a full recovery from her surgery and subsequent stroke. Betsy was an avid antique collector and was passionate about decorating her home. She loved country decor, visiting craft shops, and her blue PT Cruiser. She took pride in her well-manicured yard, flower beds, and pergola built by Billy.
Later in life, Betsy loved all things purple...including the purple streaks in her hair! And of course, she was a self-proclaimed “chocoholic”! Betsy’s greatest joy in life, however, was her family and her grandchildren!Betsy is survived by her two daughters, Terri (Brad) Reis of Forest Lake and Traci (Erik) Danley of Fripp Island, S.C.; three grandchildren whom she loved dearly, McKenna (Dan) Mollet, Madison Reis, and Spencer Danley. Brothers and sisters include Yvonne Green, William (Genelle) Hinchley, Anita (Bob) Willhite, Rick (Patty) HInchley, Sandy Wolters, and Bob (Pam) Hinchley.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy, her parents, and her brother Jim (Pat) HInchley.The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Mill City Memory Care and Brighton Hospice for their amazing love and care.Betsy’s life will be celebrated Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. with a memorial gathering of family and friends at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home. There will be a visitation prior to the memorial service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Owatonna immediately following the service.
Memorials are preferred to the family through Brick-Meger Funeral Home in Owatonna.