B. Betty Guinn

Betty Guinn, age 94, of Lancaster, passed peacefully, on March 23, 2026, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. She was born on May 30, 1931, in Chicago, IL, to Joseph and Arthemise (Dusablon) Varese. The family moved to Iowa when Betty was young. She was united in marriage on June 12, 1949, to Donald Guinn. Betty owned the Montgomery Wards Catalog store for several years, and prior to retiring, she worked at the Lancaster Vet Clinic and Lancaster Interiors. Betty and Don enjoyed wintering in Texas, playing cards, dominos, quilting, and day trips to Mexico. Visits from family were always a welcome treasure.

Betty will be remembered for her beautiful handmade quilts which were gifted to many.

Mom was a wonderful cook; if you stopped by you never left hungry. She enjoyed canning and everyone enjoyed her pies. The family gathered annually to make traditional Christmas cookies. Mom and Dad generously opened their home for people to live with us over the years. A young girl, family, classmate, foreign exchange student, even an elderly couple that all needed a place to live; all were welcome. 

Survivors include her daughters: Marie Streif of Lancaster, Connie (Gary) Tomter of Lodi, Diana Guinn of Madison, and Donna Karasek of Viroqua; nine grandchildren: Sara (Derek) Ryan, Michael (Melissa Richardson) Streif, Erik (Tara) Tomter, grandson-in-law, Brian Koeller, Emily (Justice Kelly) Yttri, Ona (Aaron Quamme) Yttri, Abby (Matt) Santos, Kaitlyn (Cassandra) Torguin, Maggie Karasek; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; one brother and one sister.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, son-in-law, Melvin Streif; one brother, and granddaughter, Misty Koeller, who passed only hours after Grandma Betty.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.