YOUR AD HERE »

Grand Lake summer resident Betsy Peak dies

Elizabeth Louise Neumann Peak, 89, died Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Des Moines.

Elizabeth “Betsy” was born on July 6, 1921 in Des Moines to Arthur Henry and Elsa Rehmann Neumann of Des Moines. She attended Hubbell Elementary School and Roosevelt (Middle) and High School. Her college years were spent at Rockford College in Rockford, Ill, and Northwestern University at Evanston, Ill, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1939.

During World War II Betsy served as a nurses’ aide at Fort Des Moines. She married George Saunders Peak November 13, 1949 in Des Moines. They had two children, George Neumann Peak in 1955 and Betsi Neumann Peak Allen in 1958.



Living in Des Moines her entire life, Betsy enjoyed spending summers with her husband and family at Grand Lake in Colorado as well as world travels with her husband, George. Betsy and George were devoted first to their church, where she was elected an elder. They were also known to be a beautiful couple on the dance floor.

Betsy also donated her time to the Des Moines Children’s Home (Orchard Place), Blank Children’s Hospital Guild, Junior League, and the Des Moines Symphony Guild, serving as president of the final three groups. She was also a member of the Mu Phi, Pioneer and Comment Clubs of Des Moines. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the IRFCUS Club. Other club memberships she held included the Martha Group at St. John’s, Grand Lake Yacht Club of Colorado, and the Des Moines and Wakonda Clubs of Des Moines.



Betsy is survived by her son, George N. Peak of Denver, Colorado; daughter, Betsi Allen of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Tracy (Danielle) and Amanda of Des Moines; two great grandchildren, Gauge and Olivia; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, their families and dear friends. Her devoted sisters, Elsa Wittmack and Barbara Linn preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Orchard Place, St John’s Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.

Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.

If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.