Obituary of Betti Jane Iwanski

Betti Jane Iwanski (70) passed away on May 8th, 2023, at her home in St Paul, after an extended series of illnesses. She is survived by her 5 siblings: Margaret, Ruth Ann, Marie, Marcelle, and Dave; nephews: Rafay and Tim; and stepdaughters: Grace, and Kathryn. She is also loved and cherished by her husband of 27 years: Kevin Alexander.

Betti was born in rural Wisconsin, graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, studied biology, and then graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Later she also obtained a degree in HVAC Design and attended the University of St Thomas for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

She had an amazing variety of jobs and was a trailblazer for women, as she progressed through her eventful life. Betti was a Kawasaki motorcycle mechanic, a TIG welder for a tanker-truck repair company, a welding instructor at a Technical College, a Manufacturing Engineer, Senior Principal Test Engineer, Research Specialist for the State of Minnesota, Head Environmental Engineer at a major defense contractor, Mechanical Designer (HVAC) for large commercial buildings, Research Engineer, and Energy Efficiency Engineer.

In addition to her trailblazing career for women, she was a PASSIONATE environmentalist. From childhood she was incredibly enthusiastic about doing all she could to save our Earth’s resources and convince others to do the same. Her passion for our environment complemented her enjoyment for the outdoors. She loved to do anything that was human powered like hiking, biking, camping, bird watching, jogging, rowing, and kayaking.

Many thanks to HealthPartners Hospice & Palliative Care. Every member of the team was sensitive, thoughtful, skilled, caring, and wonderfully supportive. They allowed me to focus on Betti without being distracted by all the details. Also, grateful thanks to Silvana who gave her time selflessly and showed us loving grace through the end.

Remembrances and ceremonies will be held in small groups with family and friends.