Bernice "Betty" Poetschke, 87, passed away at the Lincoln Lutheran Convalescence Center on Friday, October 24, 2014 in Racine, WI.  A lifelong resident of Racine, she was born on July 12, 1927, daughter of the late Phillip II and Leone (nee: Schultz) Valley. She was married in Racine on September 18th, 1948 to Gerhardt O. Poetschke.  He preceded her in death on July 7, 1991.   She was also preceded in death by her brother, Phillip Valley III.

Betty dedicated her life to her family and children, returning to work at Wisconsin Bell/Ameritech to provide the means for their college education. She enjoyed playing cards and golf, went on many traveling and adventures with Gerhardt, and was an avid reader of science and mystery.  She has a true love and respect for the arts, taking classes at Wustum and Spectrum.  She enjoyed Racine Theater Guild with Gerhardt, and loved listening to music.  Betty was a member of the Telephone Co. Pioneers and the Washington Park Women's Golf League.  Her children think of her as always thoughtful, compassionate and truly an honest person.  She was a really great Mama to have!

Betty is survived by her children, Mary (Alan) Mollerskov of Racine, Robert Poetschke of Harrison Arkansas, and Margaret (Paul) Empie of Denver, Iowa; 3 grandsons, Jay (Anne) Mollerskov, Timothy Mollerskov of Racine, and Jonathan Empie of St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as her brother-in-law, Erwin Poetschke of Racine; as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral service for Betty will be held in the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 with Rev. Bruce Clanton officiating. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. until the service.  Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.