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Betty Jean Vibecka Niceswanger, 97, of Fort Dodge, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Betty Jean Hansen was born on March 28, 1929, in Laurel, Nebraska, the daughter of Magnus and Olivia Hansen. She was one of 12 children in a large and loving family. Her parents were immigrants from Denmark, and Betty grew up on the family dairy farm where she learned the value of hard work, perseverance, faith, and family--qualities that remained at the heart of who she was throughout her long and beautiful life.
After graduating from Laurel High School in 1946, Betty earned her teaching certificate from Dana College and later received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Buena Vista University, Fort Dodge Center. She accomplished this while raising her family and working full time as a teacher in the Catholic school system--a testament to her determination and dedication.
Betty met her husband, Gail Niceswanger, when they were both teaching in Quimby, Iowa. They were united in marriage on July 27, 1952, in Laurel, Nebraska. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children. Teaching was more than a career for Betty--it was a calling. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse near her hometown. After a year of country school teaching, she moved to Quimby, Iowa, to join her sisters, who were also teaching there. Betty and Gail later moved to Estherville, Iowa, where they continued teaching before eventually making Fort Dodge their home.
After taking time away from the classroom to raise her children, Betty returned to teaching in the Fort Dodge Catholic Schools. Over the years, she taught at Holy Rosary, Sacred Heart, Corpus Christi, and finally St. Edmond, where she concluded her career in 1994. She taught kindergarten through third grade and was known for the patience, kindness, and genuine care she gave to her students. Even after retiring, Betty was not quite ready to leave the classroom behind. She became a regular substitute teacher in the Fort Dodge Community School District for 15 years, particularly at Duncombe and Cooper Elementary Schools. Her dedication to education was recognized with numerous honors, including the Webster County Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching, the Spirit of Education Award from the Fort Dodge Catholic Schools, and the Iowa Governor's Award for Teaching.
Betty was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. She generously gave her time and talents to the church office, rummage sales, funeral luncheon committee, and many other activities. She was also a former member of the TTT Society.
Above all, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived her life guided by faith and love, always putting her family first. She was the kind of mother who was simply always there--ready to listen, help, encourage, or welcome her family home. Her door was always open, and no one ever seemed to leave her house without something homemade to eat. Betty was a fantastic cook and baker, and her kitchen was often filled with the comforting smells of something she had made for family and friends.
She loved to read, sew, shop, and especially enjoyed making memories with her children and grandchildren. She lovingly sewed many of their Halloween costumes, putting time and care into creating something special just for them. She always made sure everyone had what they needed, and the fridge was stocked with everyone's favorites when they came for a visit. Those acts of love, both big and small, are among the many things her family will treasure and remember.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Magnus (1957) and Olivia (1978); her husband, Gail, in 1999; and brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her three children, Brian Niceswanger (and Kimberly), now of Lenexa, Kansas, Michele Kelly (and Steve), of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Jay Niceswanger, of Kansas City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Nicole Unertl (Austin), Erica Vega (Daniel), Ian Kelly (Tracy), Neal Niceswanger, and Nathan Niceswanger; four great-grandchildren, Mason and Audrey Unertl, Emmett Vega, and Bane Kelly; her sister, Jackie Burns (Duane) of Grand Island, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews scattered across the country.
Betty leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, family, and service. She was deeply loved, and her family and all who knew her will carry her memory in their hearts. Her life was a gift to those around her, and she will be missed more than words can say.
Services will be 11:00 PM Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Luke Fillmore officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum, North Lawn Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.