Betty J. Adler

Betty Jane Adler, 83, passed away on Monday morning, March 9, 2026, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin. She entered her eternal home in Heaven.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Hanson–Schilling Funeral Home (1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield) on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with Deacon Ray Draeger officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until the time of service. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), or the Wisconsin Parkinson Association.

Betty was born on July 7, 1942, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the daughter of Leona and Albert Zagrodnik. She attended Holy Family Convent from 1956–1958 and graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1960, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

After high school, Betty worked at the White House Milk Co., a division of the Great A&P Tea Co. in Manitowoc. She loved to share that she “lived on the east coast (of Wisconsin) and worked at the White House at A&P Tea Co.”

On April 26, 1965, Betty married Omar H. “Pete” Adler. Together they had four children. Though they later divorced, they remained friends until Pete’s passing in 1983. In her early married years, Betty was a full‑time homemaker and mother. When her children were older, she worked for Swiss Colony in Monroe, Wisconsin. Pete’s banking career later moved the family to Mosinee, where Betty attended technical college and earned her paralegal degree. She went on to work as a paralegal for Stevens & Drach Law Firm in Wausau.

In 1982, Betty moved to Marshfield, where she continued her paralegal career at the law firms of Juneau, Minder, Gross & Stevning‑Roe, and later Juneau & Associates, until her retirement in 2014—nearly 40 years of dedicated service. She was also a notary public. Betty was known for her professionalism, kindness, and unwavering work ethic, earning the respect of colleagues and clients throughout the community.

Betty was gifted in art, especially drawing and painting. She loved being outdoors, painting, knitting, crafting, cooking, and enjoyed musical theater. In her later retired years, she looked forward to watching her two favorite game shows—The Price Is Right andWheel of Fortune. She was a wonderful cook who delighted in hosting holidays and family gatherings, always worrying there wouldn’t be enough food, even though there were always plenty of leftovers and no one ever went home hungry.  Her “paper bag apple pie” remains a treasured family favorite recipe passed down through generations. And no one could quite match her German potato salad—remarkable for someone who was 100% Polish descent.

Betty also had a beautiful singing voice, something she deeply missed after her courageous and victorious battle with throat cancer in 2021. Though treatments affected her voice, her love of music never faded. She especially enjoyed listening to Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, and Queen.

Betty will be remembered for her kind heart, strong will, determination, and remarkable work ethic. Those who knew her best will miss her unmistakable sense of humor, her feisty spirit, and the sparkle in her beautiful blue-green eyes.

Betty was not only a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, but also a true best friend to those she loved. She had a remarkable gift for offering the right words at exactly the right time, which may or may not have included colorful expression.  Always knowing how to comfort, guide, or encourage with wisdom that felt both gentle and steady.  Her advice was trusted, her presence grounding, and her ability to listen without judgment made her a source of strength for her family and friends. To many, she was the person you could always turn to—honest, warm, and unfailingly supportive. Betty was forever proud of the home she designed and built in Marshfield, a place filled with love, laughter, learning and the memories she cherished most. She also carried a deep love for her family roots; she had many fond memories of growing up in Manitowoc, Wi and truly missed her parents after their passing. Her sister Winnie was always on her mind after the loss of their sister Judy. Any time spent with her two sisters over the years was cherished and etched forever in Betty’s heart.

Her greatest pride was her family. Her deepest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren—her blessings and lasting legacy.  Betty’s love and permanent bond with each of them was unconditional, unwavering, and eternal.  She also adored her beloved furry “grandchildren”: Baxter, Tucker, and her treasured support dog, Max, who brought her comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. Betty was always present—ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, and a warm heart. The time shared with her was a gift, and she will be forever missed.

Betty is survived by her children: Tim Adler, Paula (Bill) Thompson, Amy Adler, and Mike Adler, all of Marshfield, WI; her grandchildren: Michael (Cassie Zopfi) Adler, Daniel (Darian) Adler, Danielle (Jonathon Vu) Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, and Zachary Harris; and her great‑grandchildren: Lincoln and Reggie Adler, and Riley Vu. She is further survived by her sister, Winifred Krajnik of Manitowoc, WI; her sister‑in‑law, Rosemary Adler of Appleton, WI; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leona and Albert Zagrodnik; her sister, Judith Holder; brothers‑in‑law Vic Krajnik, Dr. Lynn W. Holder, and Ronald Adler; her daughter‑in‑law, Lorie Adler; and her nephew, Stephen J. Holder.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Aanuoluwa Abiola, Dr. Tim Boyle,  Dr. Warren Olds and Dr. Fagbemi for their care and dedication in Betty’s victory over cancer;  also to the nurses in Interventional Radiology at Marshfield Medical Center; to Allie T., Anne, Colleen, Mischa, Paula, Heidi, and Chris T. at the care facility; and to Josh K. with Hospice. A very special thank‑you to Dakota Pongratz (“Elvis”) and Judy M., Bev W. and Sandy B.—you were a source of light and joy in Betty’s life over the past four years, bringing fun, laughter, music, and friendship. To all friends and family who visited or reached out, your presence and kindness meant the world to her. You helped bring sunshine and comfort to her days,  especially as her eyesight declined. She loved and appreciated you all.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

To view the live-streamed service, please click this link: https://youtube.com/live/RRkM3b6krQ8?feature=share

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty J. Adler, please visit our floral store.