Betty Mittlesteadt, age 87, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Betty was born on August 14, 1938, to Roy and Ruth (Dargel) Bareis in Pittsville, Wisconsin. A member of the National Honor Society in her youth, Betty went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University, and a Master’s Degree in English from Michigan State University.

A dedicated educator for 40 years, Betty spent the majority of her career teaching second grade at Ironton-LaValle Elementary School. She truly loved teaching, laughing, and sharing her life with young people. She was a lifelong champion for children’s education and a passionate lover of literature, music, theater, and the arts.

On August 20, 1966, Betty married Martin Mittlesteadt. Together, they built a happy home in rural Reedsburg and raised two children, Chris and Carol.

Betty was the personification of kindness, gentleness, wisdom and grace; she will be missed beyond words.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, in 2006, and her sister, Sharon (Wayne) Peterson, in 2018.

She is survived by her children, Chris and Carol; two grandchildren, Isaac and Elliana; her sister, Carrie (Michael) Bareis-Maguire; and loving cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services for Betty will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Pastor Steven Neyhart officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Burial will be made in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Reedsburg.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.