Betty Jean Gollnik

Betty Jean Gollnik, 94, of Mason City, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennsylvania, with Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time at the church. Interment will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Waldorf College. 

Betty was born on October 16, 1929, in Clear Lake, Iowa to parents Oscar and Cora (Larson) Nyhus. She was baptized November 17, 1929, in Clear Lake by the pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, and confirmed on September 5, 1943, at Miller Lutheran Church in Miller, Iowa. Betty was united in marriage to Lester N. Gollnik on June 11, 1977, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City.

Betty graduated from Garner High School in May of 1947, and continued her education at Waldorf College, Forest City, and she graduated in 1949. She obtained her BA from Luther College in Decorah in 1956 and received her MA at the University of Minnesota on March 19, 1966.

Betty taught third and fourth grades in Rake, Iowa 1949-1951, taught elementary music, third and first grade in St. Ansgar, Iowa from 1951-1955, and taught kindergarten and first grade in the Mason City School District from 1956-1982. She taught at Jones Piano House from 1983-1985, Carleton Stewart/Rieman Music 1985-1992.

Betty was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, church circle, adult choir, and adult bell choir. She was a member of Waldorf College Heritage Club.

Betty was a very good friend to many, and she will be deeply missed by those who knew her and loved her.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; and parents, Oscar and Cora Nyhus.