Florene Nadine Betten

Florene Nadine Betten, age 97, passed away peacefully at her home on December 6, 2025. She was born on November 4, 1928 in Linn, Kansas to Louis and Louise Boerger. She was baptized on November 11, 1928 at Zions Lutheran Church in Linn, Kansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leonard Betten, 6 sisters and 4 brothers, brother-in-laws, Bernard Betten and Roger Meyer, son-in-law Gerald Brauer, and great granddaughter, Jerica Schuman.

Florene attended school in Linn, Kansas. She was raised on a dairy farm with her family. She frequently helped deliver milk to neighbors on her way to school. Her parents moved from the farm to a home in Beatrice, Nebraska and Florene joined them in 1949. She worked at the Beatrice Telephone company and in 1951 met the love of her life, Leonard Betten. They were married in 1952 and subsequently raised three children. They were active in St. John Lutheran Church serving on various committees. Florene joined the Order of Eastern Star and was an active member for over 50 years. In 1964 they moved to Denver, CO where she maintained the household and worked at home part time for the Leukemia Society. They joined American Memorial Lutheran Church and supported their children through confirmations and church activities. Throughout the years Florene was active in the P.T.A., supported her daughters in the International Order of Job’s Daughters and her son in the Order of DeMolay for many years. In 1973 Florene and Leonard moved to Littleton, CO and joined Grace Lutheran Church and later transferred their membership to Abiding Hope Lutheran Church. After her children all left home, she went to work for Citi Corp Diners Club (the first credit card company). She worked in the Accounting Department at the Foreign Exchange desk. After 25 years of service at Diners Club she retired in 1998.

Florene and Leonard enjoyed traveling all over the United States and took a trip to Japan. After Leonard passed away in 1994, Florene was persuaded to join the Widowed Men and Widowed Women social club where she met many new friends, some of which remained friends for over 30 years. She enjoyed all the social activities, to include Bronco parties, and various trips. She met Kirk Heyer who she enjoyed and became very close to. They attended many social events and traveled many places. They had a special friendship lasting over 10 years until his death in 2007.

She finally sold her Littleton home in 2015 and moved to St. Andrews Village senior living apartments in Aurora, CO and lived there for nine years. She met new friends and enjoyed the many social activities especially playing Pinnacle. She joined Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO as it was closer to her residence. In May of 2024 she moved to an assisted living community, Garden Plaza of Aurora, where she lived until her death.

Florene was a very strong person with a strong faith in God which helped her endure the many challenges of life. She always said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She never hesitated to help other people. She was an active listener, always interested in the lives of family and friends. She loved family gatherings; spending time with family. She touched many lives.

Florene is survived by daughter, Sharlene Brauer of Lincoln Nebraska, son, David Betten of San Diego, California, daughter, Genevieve (Michael) Gatterman of Aurora, Colorado; 5 grandchildren: Thomas Gatterman of Broomfield, Colorado, Becky Gatterman Carey of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Sheila Brauer of Lincoln, Nebraska, Tammy Brummond of Omaha, Nebraska, Troy (Jody) Brauer of Lincoln, Nebraska; 5 great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; sister-in-laws, Anita Betten and Dorothy Meyer, and many nieces and nephews.