Betty Lou Damratowski, 85, of Elkhorn, formerly of Grand Island, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Country House Residence in Elkhorn.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Grand Island. The Reverends Tim Stoner and Mark Maresh celebrated the Mass.

Mike Piontkowski was the lector.

Janel Tagart and Ashley Lothrop were the Eucharistic Ministers.

Gift bearers included Janel Tagart, Ashley Lothrop, Kay Torske, and Kelsey Toms.

Kristin Schutte was the pianist. Mike Turek was the soloist.

Selections included “Here I Am Lord,” “Ave Maria,” “One Bread, One Body,” “Go Rest High on that Mountain,” by Vince Gill, and “Beer Barrel Polka,” by Six Fat Dutchmen.

Dan Roy, Don Roy, Marty Roy, Mike Piontkowski, Jim Pointkowski, and Shawn Damratowski were the casket bearers.

Burial was in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Betty was born on December 20, 1939, along with her twin sister, Bonnie, to Harry and Sally Ann (Kaminski) Smedra at Rockville. She received her education in Sherman County schools and graduated from Loup City High School. She then attended dental assistant school in Grand Island.

She was united in marriage to Harold E. Damratowski on June 18, 1960, in Loup City. The couple first lived in Grand Island, where Betty worked in various dental offices. In 1972, the couple moved to an acreage near Alda.

Betty was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Grand Island and was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River. She was also a member of the Platt-Duetsche and the Grand Island Saddle Club.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking and quilting.

She is survived by her children, Peggy Zurek of Omaha, Jeff and Linda Damratowski of Dannebrog, and Lorie and Mark Alexander of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Bonnie and Dennis Piontkowski of Bennington.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold on June 2, 2012; son, Randy Damratowski; parents; sister, Helen Roy; and two grandchildren.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Betty’s family by visiting www.petersfuneralhome. net.