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March 10, 1931-Oct. 14, 2026
Fargo
Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Pfau was born March 10, 1931 in Rugby, ND to Edward Pfau and Viola (Rubbert) Pfau. She passed away October 14, 2026 in Fargo, ND. She was raised on the family farm near Upham. Betty was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer, ND by her grandfather, Reverend Albert Rubbert, a pioneering pastor of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Betty attended rural grade school and graduated salutatorian from Upham High School in 1949.
In 1950, Betty earned her RN credential from Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, ND and recognized as “outstanding student of nursing theory.” She began her career in Seattle as a pediatric nurse, but not for long, as she was soon to be engaged.
On June 27, 1954, Betty married Orville Herschlip at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in rural Upham. Her uncle, Reverend Felix Rubbert, officiated. To this union, three boys, Timothy, Mark, and Jonathan were born. Betty put her managerial skills to work. She was an excellent cook and baker. Every meal, even those delivered to the field, was a hearty spread. Farming, family, and religion were the focal points of life. Betty even tolerated baby calves warming in the bathtub. She continued her nursing in Minot, Bottineau, and Rugby. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in 1980.
Betty resumed working full-time at Trinity Nursing Home in Minot. She loved her residents. It was in the nursing home chapel, in 1982, that she married Donald Wick with her residents present. She was instantly step-mom to five and embraced each one with open arms.
Betty and Don resided in Rochester, MN and were active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. In 1989, they relocated to Sun City West, AZ and joined Crown of Life Lutheran Church. Betty was involved in LWML, Steven’s Ministry, attended LWML conventions, taught Bible Study and even sewed diapers for babies of migrant workers. Don passed away in 1996 and in 2012 Betty moved to Fargo, ND to be close to family. She became an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.
Betty was a wonderful grandmother. Memories from her grandchildren include: she was kind; she lived her faith and gave us unconditional love; she took us on golf cart rides; she sent lots of letters and cards; she was forever the nurse.
Betty was also a first-class hostess and the queen of decorating for Christmas. She was a master quilter and a voracious letter-writer which began with a 4th grade pen pal in England. During WW II, she wrote numerous letters to her Uncle Herman, who was part of the Normandy invasion. He thanked Betty by giving her his Purple Heart.
Betty was always the calm in the storm of life; her Christian faith was her cornerstone. In her final wishes document, she wrote: “We’ll all be together again in heaven. I love you dearly. Mom.”
Betty is survived by sons, Timothy Herschlip (Eileen), Mark Herschlip (Pamela), Jonathan Herschlip (Dawn); grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Herschlip, Jordan Herschlip, Greta Kate Elizabeth Herschlip and Jebediah Herschlip.
She is also survived by her brothers, Donald Pfau (Ruby), Rob Pfau (Vickie); and step-children, Greg Wick (Cyndi), Jeff Wick (Jeannie), John Wick (Daphne) and their families. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Pfau, Jr. and Steve (Carolynn) Pfau.
The funeral will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 821 5th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota, Wednesday, November 11 at 2 pm. Fellowship to follow.
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo, ND.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 21, 2026.