Betty Joyce (Jackson) Hong, 81, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Oakwood Villa Nursing Home with her loving husband and children by her side.
She was born March 20, 1936 in Owen, Wisconsin, the daughter of Adolph and Adeline (Behrens) Jackson.
Betty grew up on the family farm in Longwood, WI and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1954. At age 18 she attended Cosmetology School in Eau Claire and worked for 42 years as a beautician. While working her first beautician job in Eau Claire she met her husband Curtis. During that time she had the opportunity to style Rose Kennedy’s hair while John F Kennedy was campaigning in Eau Claire for the presidency. She also worked at Merle Norman in Eau Claire, Nadine’s Beauty Salon in Altoona, and owned and operated Country Curl Beauty Salon for 22 years out of their home on Hwy 12, Eau Claire. She enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of many customers and the many stories that, “only your beautician knows.”
On August 10, 2017 Betty and her beloved husband, Curt celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they owned and operated Hwy 12 Construction Equipment until they both retired. They then enjoyed many years fishing together at Mike and Janets Northstar Resort in Edgewater, WI and winters in Donna, TX along with the many friends they made through the years.
Betty was an extremely caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was always happy to prepare a meal and cherished her holiday gatherings around the extended table.
Betty is survived by her husband Curtis, five children: Thomas (Barb) Hong, Richard (Ginger) Hong, Michael (Deborah) Hong, Donna (Mark) Steen and Daniel (Karen) Hong; 13 grandchildren: Kim, Kerry, Karla, Jeff, Jason, Jenny, Sarah, Angie, Jessie, Nicholas, Jenna, Matthew and Kjerstyn; 32 great grandchildren, brother, Conrad (Sandy) Jackson and sister-in-law, Sandy wife of Allan Jackson and other relatives.
She is preceded in death by her son Bruce Hong, infant granddaughter Tena Rongstad, siblings: Robert (Verona) Jackson, Elaine (Glen) Zilk, Marjorie (Bud) Herdrich, Carole (Vern) Schuld and Allan Jackson.
A special thank you to many of the caregivers at Oakwood Villa Nursing Home who thru her time with them gave her daily care and made it her home.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Stokes, Prock and Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona at 5:30 P.M. Visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. until the time of service. Private burial will be held at Kings Valley Cemetery.
Stokes, Prock, and Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared a www.stokesprockmundt.com