Heaven became a little brighter on February 13, 2018, when it welcomed Bette Schrobilgen, 76 years old, of Dubuque. She passed away at home in the loving care of her husband and three sons. We know she is looking down on us with her beautiful blue eyes and wide smile, as we continue to feel the love she was always quick to share. Her passing was abrupt, but her life was well-lived.

Visitation will be Sunday, 2/18 /18 from 1:00-4:00 at Hoffman-Schneider Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 4 p.m.
Mass will be at Resurrection Catholic Church Monday 2/19/18 at 10:30 followed by a reception at The Moracco Supper Club. Rev. Joseph Hauer will officiate. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Bette was born in Lafayette, IN on November 30, 1941, and later her family moved to small-town Iowa Falls, IA. It was in Iowa Falls where she lived an idyllic childhood on the Iowa River. She played flute in the high school marching band and orchestra, where she learned to love music.

Bette went to nursing school in Dubuque, and she began her nursing career as an RN at Mercy Hospital. A devoted mother, Bette worked 3rd shift at Mercy to guarantee a parent would always be home during the day when her family was young. Finally, after her death, she is now able to catch up on the many hours of lost sleep.

Later Bette earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Arts, switched employment to Amicare and retired as a case-worker at Scenic Valley Agency on Aging. Through her work she was able to care, nourish and touch many patients with her nurturing manner.

During Bette’s first years in Dubuque, she met the love of her life, Dale Schrobilgen, at a beer party hosted at his parents’ house while they were away. Although his parents may not have been happy about the party, Dale became the luckiest guy by winning Bette’s heart on that night. With genuine and abiding love, they were married in Germany and began a life together that would last 54 years. And it is this example that their teenaged children would turn to when reminding their parents that good things can happen when you bend the rules.

In addition to the accomplishment of raising 4 incredible children: Greg, Dan, Jill and Scott (not necessarily listed in order of most incredibleness), Bette was also blessed with 2 daughters-in-law, Kathleen (Sheehan) and Jodi (Reck), and one son-in-law, Bill Raine. Bette also had another remarkable family member, Imal Pedriana. Imal came from Niger, Africa at 14 years old in 1992, lived with Greg and Kathleen, has been a cherished family member ever since, and is now married to his wife Katie, and father to 4 beautiful boys. Imal became Bette’s 5th child and the youngest brother to all of her children, and the family continues to grow.

But Bette was most proud of her 8 beloved grandchildren: Malachy, Erin, Rory, Grace, Nate, Ava, Maren and Nora . Seeing her grandchildren always brought a beaming smile to her face, and the time spent with them was priceless.

Bette loved music and gardening. In earlier days with her young family, 8-tracks and albums played continuously on the console stereo, while musicals were a joy to her in later years. The garden that graces Bette and Dale’s yard on Asbury Rd. is their labor of love. With subtle insight into what to plant and where to plant it, Bette cultivated a radiant garden, with a richness seen in the faces of her flowers that matches the depth of the enduring love rooted in her family, her legacy inspiring us to share love, be compassionate and embrace life’s journeys.

Bette is survived by her brother, George (Wilma) Oswald Jr and her sister, Carole Schultz as well.

She is preceded in death by her only daughter, Jill Raine, her parents (George W. Oswald and Gertrude N Neidhardt) and her brother-in-law, Randy Schultz.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials or donations to Resurrection Church or Hospice of Dubuque. Condolences may be expressed online at www.hskfh.com.