Elizabeth “Betty” Halverson

Elizabeth “Betty” Halverson, 75, of Preston, Minn., died on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at her home.

Elizabeth Jeanne Tlougan was born to Raymond and Marian (Huneke) Tlougan at St. John’s Hospital in Red Wing, Minn. Betty married Merrill Pickett September 4, 1964, and together they had three children: Lisa, Ken, and Karen. They later divorced. On May 14, 1988, Betty married Steve Halverson and made the Halverson family farm their home.

Betty worked many jobs through life. She did babysitting and worked in various places including a snack shop when she was younger, Riviera Kitchens in Red Wing, Branding Iron Restaurant as a cook, Preston IGA when they first opened the bakery, Northwest Aluminum, Beavers Den (Lariat Bar which she was trying to buy), Servicemen’s Club, Popcorn Stand, Parkway Pub, and Lanesboro Legion. She was a great bartender and people loved her. In 1998 Betty was finally able to make her lifelong dream of raising horses come true. Betty raised, bred, and sold mostly American Saddlebred.

Betty was a wonderful cook and baker. She loved doing it and it showed, especially during the holidays. She did Christmas baking for other people for many years to earn extra money to buy presents for her children. She loved to entertain, was always very organized, and had way more food than needed. Betty loved music, dancing, gardening, sewing, crafts, riding horses on trail rides, and making recipe books for all of her kids and family. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. She loved people and enjoyed visiting with them.

Betty is survived by her husband Steve Halverson, children Lisa Pickett (friend Don Busse) of Preston, Kenneth (Gretchen) Pickett of Stewartville, Minn., and Karen Bramble of Tularosa, N. Mex.; stepson Brian (Karin) Halverson, four grandchildren Mckenna Pickett and Brady Pickett, both of Stewartville; Tyler Bramble and Vivian Bramble, both of Tularosa, N. Mex.; and step-granddaughter Jayleen Halverson, two sisters, Mary Benike and Rae Ann Denker both of Rochester; brother-in-law Sam (Karen) Halverson of Goose Creeek, S. C., many nieces and nephews, and of course, her dog who was her best friend and companion, Bandit.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Marian Tlougan, sisters Rose Moen, Leona Magneson and husband James, and Eleanor Bultman; brother Allan Tlougan, brother-in-law Robert Benike, nephews Ricky Allemani, Mark Greenwood, and Bobby Benike; niece Karen Johnson, sisters-in-law Marian Halverson and Sigrid (Halverson) Caniff, and her favorite horse, Pal.

Visitation for Betty will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Preston. A private family service will be held with Pastor Mark Woodward officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church of Preston at 212 St Anthony St. N., Preston, Minn. 55965.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.