Elizabeth "Bettye" A. (Sittman) Denis

Elizabeth A. (Bettye) Denis, age 96, of Manitowoc, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

She was born on February 15th, 1928, in Cato, WI. Daughter of the late Clarence and Eleanor (Reitmeyer) Sittman. Bettye started her education in a one room schoolhouse in Cato, WI, completed 10th grade at Manitowoc Lincoln High School and expanded her education at Manitowoc Vocational School. On June 13th, 1947, she married the love of her life Alvin E. Denis in Manitowoc. The couple celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in June of 1997. He preceded her in death on January 4th, 2004. Bettye was employed with Imperial Eastman of Manitowoc in the payroll department for 29 ½ years, retiring on March 30th, 1990. She was a member of the Eastman 25-year Club, Ladies Auxiliary #659 and the Manitowoc Senior Center.

She loved to read books, often finishing a book in only a day or two. She purchased many books over the years and would initial each book she read so she would not accidentally read it twice. Expanding her reading experience, she got her first library card at the age of 95! She kept her mind sharp doing word finds and loved spending time outdoors camping. Camping for many years in Eagle River, Wisconsin before having a permanent campsite at Hager’s Hilly Haven in Cascade, WI. She instilled the love of camping in her family and taught them how to appreciate God’s creation. She loved country music and was skilled at making plastic canvas masterpieces; many of which could be seen decorating her home for the different holidays. Her Kleenex box covers, school buses and scissor holders grace many of her family member’s homes. As the matriarch “queen bee” of her family, she planned and hosted the annual Sittman Family Reunion for over 25 years. Her early retirement at 62 allowed her to babysit the little ones. She loved to babysit and would often be the one to pick up a sick grandchild from school. Traditions of cookie days, birthday celebrations, HUGE family Christmas’ at her house, checking out the Rahr West Christmas Trees, and camping will forever be cherished by family.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law: Jerry & Bobbi Denis, Eagle, WI; a daughter-in-law: Lynn Denis, Manitowoc; twelve grandchildren: Brenda (Ed) Kocourek, Bruce (Sonya) Kortens, Barb (fiancé Tom Kiel) Kortens, Jon Kortens, Jay (Nikki) Kortens, Dr. Kelly (Mike) Cooke, Annie Denis, Wendy (Peter) Van Laarhoven, Sara (Ryan) Lallensack, Robbie (Angie) Denis, David (Angela) Denis; thirty four great grandchildren: Steven (Shannon) Kocourek, Nicole (Alex) Reno, Eric & Ryan Randall, Anna (fiancé Izzy) Kortens, Emily (Randall) Chrum, Zane Talkington, Michaela Remiker, Austin Joe (fiancé Kristin) Kortens, Brandan, Cayleigh & Dalton Kortens, Joshua, Simon, Michael & Gabe Whalen, Austin Blake Kortens, Jade (Justin) Freche, Cody (Katelyn) Austin, Evan Ackley, Donovan, Matthew & Alyssa Cooke, Ellanora & Micah Denis, Carson & Ava Kerkenbush, Joseph, Hollie & Clayton Denis; Brayden, Ethan & Aria Lallensack; fifteen great - great grandchildren: Kolbe Schmidt, Colton Junk, Piper & Kael Kocourek, Dylan, Dustin & Adeline Reno, Sylas & Birdie Freche, Baby Boy Ackley, Hazyl, Iris, Keegan, Mason; Lacey, Edward; two sisters: Darlene Burns, Manitowoc, Georgeen (Leo) Burns, Brillion; four brothers: Eugene (Germaine) Sittman, Manitowoc, Melvin Sittman, Manitowoc, Sherman Sittman, Manitowoc, and Jim (Jenny) Sittman, Manitowoc.  Special Friends: Linda and Mike Osieczanek; Wonderful Neighbors: Dave, Denise & Marlene. Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends also survive. She was preceded in death by a son: John Denis on April 2nd, 2009; a daughter: Judith Glavin-Denis on November 9th 2016; two sisters: Janet Kiel and Janice Schneider; Brother: Marvin Sittman; granddaughter Jill Harris on November 4th 2014; and great granddaughter: Isabel Cooke.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30 2024 at Peace United Church of Christ/ Lakeshore life Celebration Center, 3613 Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc. Officiating the service will be Pastor Jeremy Vance of Faith Church Manitowoc. Cremation has occurred and entombment of the cremated remains will be at Knollwood Mausoleum, town of Kossuth following the service.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Peace Church from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024 until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.

“I want to thank my son Jerry & Granddaughter/Grandson Brenda and Ed Kocourek for everything they did for me. Also, to my great granddaughter Nicole Reno, thank you for taking care of me. Love you all- Mom/GG”

Family would like to thank the staff at FHFMMC, Rivers Bend Health and Rehabilitation and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the exceptional, compassionate care provided not only to Bettye, but to us over the last two months. Thank you alone cannot express our appreciation for you.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

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