Betsy Bisek

Betsy Bisek, 47, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, August 31, 2007, in her home. Betsy Kathryn (Soroko) Bisek, the youngest of the four children born to Frank and Mary (Schraa) Soroko, was born October 12, 1959 in Minneapolis, MN where she was baptized and confirmed in the catholic faith. She attended St. Thomas Elementary School in Minneapolis and high school at Holy Angles Academy, where she graduated with honors. She then attended the University of MN - Morris, later graduating, with distinction, from the U of M - Twin Cities in 1982, with a B.S. in Physical Therapy. Betsy and Ray Bisek were united in marriage on July 10, 1982 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Born to Ray and Betsy were four children, Nicholas Jesse, Monica Kathryn, Peter Thomas, and Patricia Marie, to whom she generously gave her love. She passed into eternal life, at home, surrounded by her family. Betsy was a physical therapist in the Twin Cities and since moving to Mahnomen, had continued her vocation, working for the Mahnomen Health Center, Board of Social Ministry, Bridges Rehab, and White Earth Clinic. Betsy's many patients were dear to her heart. She valued being an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Community of faith where she served on the School Board, St. Michael's PTA, Life Teen, Choir, and Catholic Daughters. She was also involved in her community through WOT, PCN, Red River Valley Emerging Leaders, and 4-H. She received joy from seeing children have fun, through Halloween carnivals, Easter egg hunts and various 4-H activities. Betsy's hobbies were many, including staying fit by walking, cross-country skiing and in the earlier years, swimming. She loved to read and had interests in alternative medicine, quilting, sewing, music, and attending her children's activities. She had a talent for outstanding Christmas letters, creative Halloween costumes and memorable parties. She enjoyed many vacations with her family and/or friends, particularly the winter escapes. She was a dear friend to many and a genuine caregiver to her patients, but mostly a loving wife and supportive mother, encouraging her children to develop their own talents and interests. Surviving is her husband, Ray, Mahnomen; her two sons, Nicholas, Ann Arbor, MI and Peter, U of M; her two daughters, Monica, Winger, MN and Tricia, at home; three siblings, Mark Soroko, Orlando, FL, Dana (Marge) Soroko, Topeka, KS and Susan (Dr. Joseph) Mayo, Yorba Linda, CA; mother-in-law, Pat Bisek; uncles and aunts, Bob Schraa, Germaine Floyd, John Soroko, and Mike & Julie Soroko; numerous nephews and nieces, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, nieces, Laura Soroko and Tonya Holl, brothers-in-law, Joe Bisek and Patrick Bisek and her father-in-law, Paul Bisek. May God Bless The Memory of Betsy Bisek In lieu of flowers, Betsy's family prefers memorials to St. Michael's Church, School or the Choir/Music Program, 4-H, Hospice or any of the other organizations that she enjoyed being involved in.

Betsy Bisek

October 12, 1959 - August 31, 2007