Sylvia M. Betka, 81, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully Monday, March 10, 2025 at the Season of Life Hospice House in Woodruff with her family by her side. Sylvia was born Nov. 29, 1943 in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Laurie and Ailie (Maki) Davidson. She was first married to Stanley Stichmann in 1961, then married Tom Betka March 10, 1984 and he preceded her in death in 1993.
Sylvia worked in the office at the Cheese Factory in Brantwood. She then worked at Golden Age Nursing Home in housekeeping and then become a secretary. She worked some odd jobs before getting hired at Owens-Illinois, now known as PCA. She became very involved in the union as a union steward and then became the union secretary. She was also a member of the Women's Network. Sylvia enjoyed playing baseball in her younger years, shooting pool, deer hunting and fishing (she and her late husband Tom were members of Musky Masters). She was an avid gardener, avid reader, bird watcher and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, going to a few games with her daughter Deb. She had a special place in her heart for Alaska; she and Tom traveled there several times. After retirement, she was involved with the Red Hats and had a group of lady friends that would get together often. Also, Sylvia, Mary, Terri and Sandy went on several adventures together. Most of all, Sylvia treasured spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her daughters, Debra Stichmann, Rhinelander; Dawn (Gene) Horwath, Tomahawk; sons, David (Trudy) Stichmann, Brantwood; Dale Stichmann, Tomahawk; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a great-grandson, Kyle.
Memorial services for Sylvia were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home, Tomahawk, with Chaplain Michele Rein officiating. Visitation was held from 12 p.m. to time of service at 2 p.m.
Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com.
