Betty Frank, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at New Perspective Senior Living, West Fargo. Betty’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Fr. Dennis Schafer as celebrant. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New England. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Victor Dvorak presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.
Elizabeth Johanna Gilje was born June 21, 1943 in Werner to Theodore and Mae (McAdoo) Gilje. Betty attended Werner Public School, followed by Dickinson State College for elementary education. On December 27, 1970, Betty married the love of her life, Daniel Frank. They made their home in New England, where they raised their four children and made life-long friends. Betty and Dan moved to West Fargo in the fall of 2018.
Betty loved being a mom. A home-cooked supper was on the table every night at 5:30 sharp. She was known for her caramel rolls, scotcharoos, and macaroni salad. She was always there to support her kids, from football and basketball games to band concerts and everything in between.
Betty was a hard worker and held many roles over the course of her career, working at the infamous Golden West Bar, the local grocery store and at American State Bank. Her last two roles were the most special to her. While serving as the bookkeeper at St. Mary’s school, she made many friends among the school staff and touched the lives of her children’s generation. After retiring, Betty was invited to work as a Special Education para-professional at New England Public School. She cherished this time, learning just as much from her students as they did from her.
Betty’s grandkids had her heart. She adored them and treasured all the time she spent with them. Some of her fondest memories were celebrating their birthdays, attending their sporting events, and the special family trip to Graceland in 2021.
Betty was a great friend to many. She was such a fun, witty, kind and genuine person who always had a smile on her face. She easily made friendships that endured a lifetime, and many people referred to her as their best friend.
Betty is survived by her children, Dean (Gina) Frank, Todd Frank, Wade (Allison) Frank and Robyn (Keith) Urlacher; her grandchildren, Luranna, Morgan, Mason, Gillian, Karli, Sylvia and Evelyn; her sister, Janette (Royd) Fettig; brothers, Dale (Eleanor) Gilje, Harlin Gilje, Allan Gilje, Keith (Vickie) Gilje and Darrell Gilje, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dan, on November 13, 2019; sisters, Joyce, Janice, Evelyn and Esther; brothers, Colin, Richard, and Donald; infant brother, Wade; and her parents, Theodore and Mae.
The family would like to thank the staff and all of Betty’s friends (especially Ivy and Arlene) at New Perspective Senior Living for being part of her life for the past seven years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Foundation in Dan & Betty’s honor.
