Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Nitzke

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Nitzke, 96, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025 at Kavanagh House hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.

Betty was born on April 18, 1928 in Belmond, Iowa to Matthew C. and Raymonda C. (Miltner) Barry. She lived in Belmond until 1939 when the family moved to Iowa City. Betty attended St. Mary school in Iowa City, graduating in 1946.

While attending the University of Iowa she met Everett Nitzke, who was in medical school there. They were married in 1949 at St. Mary’s Church, Iowa City. Both graduated in 1950, Betty having received her R.N. degree from the University of Iowa College of Nursing, and moved to Detroit, Michigan for Everett’s pediatric and pathology residencies. In 1954 they moved to Des Moines, where Dr. Nitzke began his pediatric practice.

When their children were in school, Betty worked as a nurse at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in the Obstetrics Department for twenty-five years, retiring in 1992. She always said she loved every day she worked, and the people with whom she worked.

Betty was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church since 1954, a 40-year member of the Iowa Medical Society Alliance, a lifetime member of Bishop Drumm Home Guild, Iowa Methodist Medical Center Guild, and a member of PEO Chapter KO. Betty enjoyed needlework, cooking, travel, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, John (Marie) Nitzke of Leominster, MA; daughters, Peggy (Charles “Steve”) Forrester of Quincy, IL, Anne Nitzke of Minnetonka, MN, and Carol (Tim) Moroney of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren: Christine Nitzke, Gabriel Forrester, Julia Thompson, David Forrester, Connor and Caitlyn Moroney; and two great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Forrester and Jasper Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law; her husband, Everett A. Nitzke of 64 years; son, Thomas; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Mary Barry; brother-and-sister-in-law, James and Noreen Orngard; brother-in-law, Dr. Ronald Dierwechter; and nephew James “Tim” Orngard.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with a Rosary to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines.

Memorials may be directed to St. Theresa Parish Foundation or Blank Children’s Hospital.

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