At 83 years young, and surrounded by the love of her family, Elizabeth "Betty" Jean Gerszewski of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully after a courageous journey with cancer at Valley Senior Living – Woodside Village.

Elizabeth Jean (Koehmstedt) Gerszewski was born on July 17, 1942, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Francis and Amelia (Langowski) Koehmstedt. She grew up on the family farm in rural Walsh County, attending a one-room country school before continuing her education in Minto, where she graduated from Minto Public School in 1960. During her high school years, Betty worked as a nanny, styled hair for local women, and even spent time working at a nearby raceway. After graduation, she began her banking career at Grafton State Bank.

On October 25, 1962, Betty married the love of her life, Edward "Ed" Gerszewski, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Minto. They began their married life in Grand Forks before moving to West Oslo, where they raised their family, later returning to Grand Forks after their children were grown. Their life together included extensive travel for Ed's career, highlighted by a memorable trip to Switzerland in 1973.

Betty continued her banking career at Valley Bank & Trust in Grand Forks before accepting an administrative position with Oslo Public School in Minnesota. She later returned to banking, spending many more years with Valley Bank and Bremer Bank while furthering her education through the American Institute of Banking and the Wisconsin School of Banking.

A woman of deep faith, Betty lived her Catholic values through service. She taught catechism and the Reverence for Life curriculum, and served as Altar Society President at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oslo, Minnesota. She also gave generously to her community through service on the Walsh County Historical Society Board and as Treasurer for both Columbia Park Towers and the Cottages of Valley Square homeowners associations.

Betty retired in 2013. She and Ed treasured the two years they shared before his passing in 2015. Learning to live without him was one of life's greatest challenges, yet Betty met it with remarkable grace and resilience. She especially cherished the friendships she found through her grief support group, where laughter—and pie—became treasured traditions.

Betty found joy in gardening and landscaping, painting, genealogy, and discovering hidden treasures at rummage sales, auctions, and estate sales. She delighted in finding beauty and history in unexpected places. One of her most recent joys was receiving an honorary Junior Firefighter badge from the Grand Forks Fire Department. Above all, Betty treasured every opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Cindy (Scott) Hagen of North Carolina; Julie (Kevin) Cameron of Florida; and Robert (Lisa) Gerszewski of Shakopee, Minnesota; brothers Joe Koehmstedt of Minto, North Dakota, and Francis "Butch" (Donna) Koehmstedt of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; sister Beverly (Gary) Slominski of Minto, North Dakota; sister‑in‑law Colleen "Kande" Koehmstedt; grandchildren Rachael and Alex Gerszewski; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed; her parents, Francis and Amelia Koehmstedt; and her brothers, Peter and Patrick Koehmstedt.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Valley Senior Living – Woodside Village, Altru Cancer Center, and HIA Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and kindness they showed Betty throughout her journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice or to an organization that held special meaning to Betty.

Betty approached life with resilience, purpose, and appreciation—and she often said, "I've had a good life."

May God bless her and keep her.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026 with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service in the Norman Funeral Home Chapel.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Wednesday.
Interment: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 at The Garden of the Evangelists Columbarium,  Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.