Betty Santel
Damiansville | Save
Betty Ann Santel (nee Breiner), age 89, of Damiansville, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Cedarhurst of Breese. She was born April 21, 1937, in Damiansville, a daughter of the late Emil and Frieda (nee Billhartz) Breiner.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Santel, whom she married August 25, 1959, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville and who died April 30, 2010; siblings, Emil Breiner (infancy), Marilyn (Edwin) Fiedler, and Lavergne (Julie) Breiner; parents-in-law, Joseph and Helena (nee Wuebbles) Santel; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Albin “Bones” Toennies, Sr. Flora Santel, Catherine (Paul) Kahrhoff, Olivia (Don) Meyer, Vince (Sophie) Santel, Mary (John) Friess, and Johnny Santel.
Betty is survived by her children, Gary (Deb) Santel of Damiansville, Kevin (Jenny) Santel of Bartelso, Janice (Vernon) Huelsmann of Trenton, Michelle (Doug) Ratermann of Damiansville, Jolene (Danny) Becker of Bartelso, and Kristi (Terry) Deerhake of Germantown; grandchildren, Jennifer (Corey) Ripperda, Nathan (Jenna) Santel, Colin (Kenzie) Santel, Alyse Santel, Jared (Kayla) Huelsmann, Amy (James) Aberts, Ryan Huelsmann, Brandon Huelsmann, Nicholas Huelsmann, Bradley (special friend, Sarah Kohnen) Huelsmann, Cody (Abby) Ratermann, Jordan (Madeline) Ratermann, Dawson (Madi) Ratermann, Logan (special friend, Hayley Palm) Ratermann, Bryanna (Owen) Faust, Mikayla (fiancé, Zach Wempe) Becker, and Brylee Deerhake; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Kye, and Ryker Ripperda, Colton and Madeline Santel, Wrenley and Arlow Santel, Connor, Austin, and Alyssa Huelsmann, Colter and Silas Aberts, Rosie Ratermann, Joel Ratermann, Grayson Ratermann, Myra Faust, and one more great-grandchild on the way; sister, Darlene Toennies of Damiansville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered around her family, her faith, and hard work. She was a homemaker and also worked as an egg inspector at Southern Farms Egg in Germantown before later working at Kids Town in Damiansville. A lifelong member of St. Damian Catholic Church, Betty was also a member of the Sodality and faithfully gave her time and talents to her parish. For many years, she was well known as one of the dedicated noodlemakers for the annual church picnic, a tradition she took great pride in being a part of.
As a hardworking farmer’s wife, Betty was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. Whether helping around the farm, tending to her garden, or caring for her home and family, she approached everything with determination and a strong work ethic. In her quieter moments, Betty enjoyed quilting, sewing, baking, and gardening, often using her talents to create something special for those she loved.
Above all else, Betty treasured her family. She especially loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother and was always happy to spoil her grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity.
Funeral Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville with Fr. Matthew Elie presiding and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer assisting. Interment will follow at St. Damian Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, September 14, 2026, from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Damian Parish or wishes of the family (checks payable to Michelle Ratermann) and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.
Moss Funeral Home
