Betty Auernhamer

Frankenmuth, MI

Betty Ruth Auernhamer was a woman of faith who served God with her musical talents, inspirational teaching and leadership. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, she was taken to be with Jesus on Dec. 31, 2024 at her home surrounded by family. She was 71.

Betty was born in Pigeon, Michigan to Eugene and Ruth (Diener) Hamilton on June 24, 1953. She attended Laker High School and was a graduate of Concordia University, River Forest, IL. She was united in marriage to David Auernhamer of Frankenmuth on July 11, 1975 and they were blessed with four children.

Betty led music worship at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth as an organist and accompanied vocal and instrumental ensembles for many years. She taught elementary school and offered care and support to others in challenging situations through the Stephens Ministry program.

Betty had a way of making everyone feel special. She faithfully shared the love of Jesus through her gift of creating and fostering relationships. This endeared her to many, regardless of age, distance, or special needs.

Betty also instructed students in piano lessons and led 4-H groups in the study of entomology. She was masterful at the art of homemaking including baking delicious butterhorns. She valued the history of her family and chronicled their memories through photos and books.

Betty is survived by her husband David, and their four children, Jason Auernhamer, Lisa (Phillip) Kerns, Renee (Scott) Przystas, and Adam (Kalie) Auernhamer. Her eight grandchildren, Grant, Ellie, Mallory, Wade, Calyx, Krew, Callahan, and Klae lovingly called her Nana and always brought a sparkle to her eyes.

Betty also is survived by her brother Robert (Mary) Hamilton and brother-in-law Michael Otto; and brothers and sisters-in-law Mark (Nola) Auernhamer, Heidi Thorsen, Steven (Lisa) Auernhamer, Mary (David) Smith, and John (Carrie) Auernhamer. She will always be remembered lovingly as Aunt Betty to her many nieces and nephews.

Betty is reunited in heaven with her sister Mary Otto, brother John Hamilton and brother-in-law Don Thorsen. Betty and family appreciate the spiritual lift from pastors, and faith-filled acquaintances, whose overwhelming concern supported them with fervent prayers, cards, texts, flowers, meals and personal gifts.  The family also appreciates the loving and professional care from the Covenant Health Care team from the onset of illness through hospice care.

Memorial Service will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Cremation has taken place. Betty's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Thursday, January 9th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Wellspring/Bethesda, Lutheran Special Education Ministry, or St. Lorenz Music Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com.