Betty Lund, longtime DeForest High School art teacher
Elizabeth E. “Betty” Lund, 96, died March 25, 2026, at an assisted living facility in Waunakee. She was born February 2, 1930, in Chicago to Clarence M. and Elizabeth Mae (Rinckel) Oberling and grew up in.
Elizabeth E. “Betty” Lund, 96, died March 25, 2026, at an assisted living facility in Waunakee. She was born February 2, 1930, in Chicago to Clarence M. and Elizabeth Mae (Rinckel) Oberling and grew up in Rockford, Illinois.
Education and family
Lund graduated from Rockford's East High School in 1948 and earned a degree in art education from UW–Madison in 1953. In college, she belonged to Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and met David Lund on a blind date in 1951. They married June 9, 1956, after his military service in Korea and later moved to DeForest. Their children are Jon and Karen.
A career in art education
Lund spent 34 years teaching art, including 24 years at DeForest High School. Beginning part time in 1966, she helped establish a four-year art program and founded the school's Art Club in 1970. Students participated in art fairs and trips to museums and other cultural sites. She made the art room available during lunch and free periods for students to work or spend time together. She retired in 1990.
Before teaching in DeForest, she taught art at elementary schools in Madison. Away from school, she painted watercolors, made ceramics and crafts, read, gardened, traveled with family and maintained photo albums. She also volunteered with Christ Lutheran Church, including its Altar Guild, bazaars and meals, and helped organize a longstanding local women's lunch group.
Family and remembrance
She is survived by children Jon Lund and Karen (Scott) Thomas; grandchildren Alexander and Madison Thomas and Hazel and Leo Lund; sister-in-law Susan (John) Gauerke; nephews Steve (Danette) Gauerke and Tom Lund; and niece Karin (Scott) Sorensen. Her husband David, parents, sister Connie (Oberling) Kellson and niece Dana (Gauerke) Suleski preceded her in death.
The family thanked Hattie's Glen Senior Living in Waunakee and Brighton Hospice.
A memorial service was scheduled for June 14 at Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, with visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. and a service at 4 p.m. Memorials were suggested for Christ Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army. Ryan Funeral Home handled arrangements.
