Betty Jean (Andrle) Kimm

Betty Jean Kimm (nee Andrle) age 76 of Isanti, formerly of East St. Paul, passed away peacefully at Elim Home in Princeton, MN on December 11, 2023.

Betty was born March 21, in River Falls, WI to Lawrence and Doris Andrle.  Betty had many happy childhood memories visiting the Andrle (grandparents) farm by River Falls, WI.  Her family moved to St. Paul in the W. 7th Area where she attended Jefferson grade school and Monroe High School.  After high school, she worked several jobs in the city of St. Paul, catching the eye of her future husband Howard Hesse.  They were married on August 15, 1972

Betty and Howard lived in St. Paul in the Frog town area for many years, before buying a duplex with her sister Bonnie on the East Side of St. Paul at Rose and Arcade.  Tragically, Howard was diagnosed with cancer and died in May 30th, 1989.

Betty was summoned to perform jury duty in St. Paul.  Little did she know that she was going to meet her second husband, Jerry Kimm.  They were married on February 13, 1991.  From that union a son, Thomas was born.  Becoming a mother was the happiest day of Betty’s life.  Betty continued to live in St. Paul until 2001, when they moved to Isanti to enjoying her big surrounding and the safety of living in a small town.  Shortly after moving to Isanti, Jerry was stricken with health problems that hindered him from working.  Betty returned to work, finding a position at a local convenience store to support her family.  She worked for 9+ years before retiring at age 65.

During retirement, she loved to tend her fruit and vegetable gardens. She was really good at growing green beans.  She also enjoyed fishing and annual weekend craft fairs with her sisters at Lake Osakis, MN.  Family holidays were also a passion of Betty, rarely missing these special events.

In 2013, Jerry passed away, leaving Betty sorrowfully relieved.  She decided that she would never get married again, wearing her wedding band to ward off suitors.

Some good fortune befell Betty in 2016, she received a generous inheritance that enabled her to take a “trip of a lifetime” with her son and sister Bonnie.  They boarded a bus that travelled to the southern United States and the Heart of Dixie.  Her favorite place was visiting Grace Land and going to the Grand Ole Opray.

Her survivors are her son Thomas, sister Bonnie.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, Howard Hesse and Jerome Kimm, sister Virginia Mars and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A celebration gathering will be held at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home 311 S. Ashland St. Cambridge, MN from 4 -7 PM Friday January 26, 2024.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jean (Andrle) Kimm, please visit our floral store.