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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Laura
Betker
February 21, 1968 – January 5, 2026
Obituary
Laura was born on February 21,1968 in Racine, WI, to the late Ronald and Kathleen (née Fraker) Betker.
Laura attended Racine Unified School District schools. She was among the first eleven students to pilot the Jefferson Lighthouse Program for gifted and talented students. Laura was a proud graduate of Washington Park High School, Class of 1986. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, while later earning a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Laura became an educator at Kenosha Unified School District and worked for 28 years as a Business Education Teacher. Ms. Betker served as the advisor for DECA and student government, which included organizing the Proms, a personal favorite of hers. She functioned as Department Head and as a Union Representative for Kenosha Education Association (KEA) for many years. Laura also taught the Gateway Technical College Dual-Credit courses at Tremper High School. She devoted herself to her students, ensuring they would have the tools to succeed in life.
Laura was a loving sister to Ann (Mark) Widmar and James (Allyson) Betker. She was a dedicated aunt to Max (Holly) Widmar, Emma Widmar (Dylan Kleitsch), Alexis, Grace, Cameron, Addison, and Cole Betker. She was recently promoted to great-aunt to Jackson Widmar.
She was also a devoted fiancée to Kyle Kewenig. Laura and Kyle had a mutual love for classic cars, gaming, bon-fires, and bonding over TV shows and movies.
Laura loved gambling at Potawatomi and Ho Chunk Casinos, going to concerts and live music, and finding a "great deal" on big screen TVs, or a sale on chocolate candy. She was a gifted baker and decorating cakes was her specialty.
Most of all, she enjoyed spoiling her nieces, nephews, and great-nephew. Laura loved taking family trips to the Wisconsin Dells and sharing Sunday dinners with her family playing the horse racing game. She will be dearly missed.
Funeral Services for Laura will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Purath-Strand Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 12:00 p.m. until the time on service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are suggested. A "Laura Betker Memorial Scholarship" will be created for graduating seniors, as a way to honor Laura's legacy as a teacher.
Services
Visitation
Purath Strand Funeral Home
12:00 - 3:00 pm
Funeral Service
Purath Strand Funeral Home
Starts at 3:00 pm
Laura Betker's Guestbook
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