Elizabeth Louise Applekamp, 88, of Bruce Crossing, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 1, 2024, at St. Lukes Hospital, in Duluth MN, with her loving family at her side.

The former Elizabeth Abramson was born January 5, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Abramson.  Betty graduated from Ewen High School in 1954.

In December, 1954, Betty married the first love of her life, (Bill) William H. Andrus, in Royal Oak, MI. It was in the summer of 1954 when Bill showed up in Bruce Crossing from Lower MI on his Indian motorcycle and swept her away. They were blessed with 8 children. Bill preceded her in death in 1993.

In July, 1996, Betty married the 2nd love of her life, Edward Applekamp in Bruce Crossing. Ed was from Topaz MI and also had a large family. Betty inherited an additional family who also loved her dearly. Ed preceded her in death in 2019.

Betty was an incredible wife, mother, friend, businesswoman, and everyone's mother. She was known for her good nature, cooking, caring heart, deep faith, hard work ethic and loved to fish every chance she got.

For many years, Betty and Bill were proprietors of numerous different businesses including; the Pine Grove Café in Bruce Crossing, Betty and Bills Café and Moms Café both in Ewen, and the Community Bar in Trout Creek. She established countless friends over the years.

From the Andrus family -  Betty is survived by 3 sons; Bill (Karin), Bruce Crossing, Ken, Ewen, Mike (Jessica), Bruce Crossing; five daughters, Peg (Don), Bergland, Joan (Mike) Rosemount, MN, Sara (Wayne) Bruce Crossing, Mary (Jim), Tomball TX, and Lori Ann (Matt) of Wakefield, MI; nineteen grandchildren, Justin (Jami), Tracy, Tyler, Wade (Mindy), Ryan (Katie), Tiffiny (Jason) Jennifer, Dawn (Ady), Scott, Kacey (Bill), Jason, Yvonne (Allen), Yvette (Will), Christina (Luke), Marcus, Charlie, Jessica (Jeff), Erin and Jimmy; and many precious great-grandkids. one sister, Joan Nurkkala; one brother, Gene (Cathy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

From the Applekamp family - Betty is survived by 2 stepchildren; Son Mike (Toni)  Applekamp, Bergland, Daughter, Judy (John)Niskanen, Ontonagon, four grandchildren, Jeremy (Kara), Gabriel (Marisela), Jarvis (Angela), Michelle Applekamp and Travis (Anna), Eds brother Kenny; numerous grandkids, nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Besides her parents and both husbands, she is preceded in death by a son Harry, daughter in law Chris, son in laws Blaze and Donald, and two brothers, Bill Abramson and John Ekstadt,

A Christian Service will be celebrated Saturday, June 8, at 1:00 p.m., preceded by visitation at 12:00 p.m., at Cane Funeral Home in Bruce Crossing, with the Pastor Ted Trudgeon Officiating,  A graveside service will immediately follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bruce Crossing.

A celebration luncheon (a feast as Betty would like!) will be served at the Bruce Crossing VFW Hall following the Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery.

John Cane owner and manager of Cane funeral Home, in Bruce Crossing, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to canefuneralhome.com.