Betty Knoedler, age 85, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 22, 2013. She was born January 20, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to Thorstein and Ruth Burtness.

Betty grew up in Oak Park, Illinois where she graduated from high school. She attended Wheaton College and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She taught as an adjunct professor at Wheaton for one year followed by three years at York High School in Elmhurst. In April of 1951 she married Gunther "Bud" Knoedler. They lived in Wheaton since 1965 where she was active in her church and was a teacher of women's Bible studies for 40 years.

She was a member of the Board of Trustees of Windsor Park Retirement Community for 18 years. She was named the 2004 Alumna of the Year at Wheaton College in recognition of her involvement with the Alumni Association and Wheaton College Women's Club. A strong supporter of Wheaton College, three scholarships are named in her honor.

Betty took great delight in taking pictures, particularly photographing sunsets, many of which became cherished notes of encouragement to others. Betty was a strong believer in God's Word and in prayer.

She is survived by her husband, Gunther "Bud" Knoedler, two children, Ruth (Bruce) Howard of Wheaton and Rick (Cheryl) Knoedler of Wheaton, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one brother, Thorstein Burtness Jr.

She was preceded in death by her son, James H. Knoedler.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at 2:30 P.M. at College Church in Wheaton, Washington and Seminary St., Wheaton. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. or following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Wheaton College Scholarship Fund, or College Church in Wheaton.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.