Betty Cassem

Age 99, of Morris, Illinois, died Monday, September 28, 2026 at The Gardens Assisted Living in Morris.

Born February 15, 1927, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, Betty was a daughter of John and Hurby (Twait) Johnson. She was raised and educated in Buffalo Center before moving to Elmore, Minnesota where she graduated from Elmore High School. Betty met Russell Cassem at a roller-skating rink, beginning a love story that led to their marriage on March 20, 1948, in Genoa, Illinois. Together they settled in Morris, where they built their home and family life over many years.

Betty enjoyed being employed by the Morris Daily Herald in the advertising department, giving them 30 years of loyal, dedicated service. Betty was also a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and expressed it in many joyful ways, especially through delicacies including kringla, kumla, krumkake, and lefse. Betty also enjoyed attending craft shows and she loved traveling on bus trips with friends and to Florida with family. Betty found great happiness in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she supported them with love and enthusiasm by attending their games and school events.

Betty is survived by her children, Gary Cassem of Morris, Susan (Don) Carlson of Newark, and Craig (Amy) Cassem of Diamond; seven grandchildren: Kris (Matt) Massey, Steve (Kristy) Carlson, Julie (Ronnie) Poplawski, Erik Cassem, Brian (A. Maria) Cassem, Bradley Cassem, and Jeffrey Cassem; seven great-grandchildren: Brianna, Brendan, and Kiersten Massey, Rylie and Zoey Carlson, and Trevor and Tyler Poplawski; one sister-in-law, Barbara Van Bergen, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hurby Johnson; husband, Russell Cassem; one granddaughter, Lori Carlson; and several brothers and sisters.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 202 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Patrick Lohse will officiate, and burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Morris where Betty will be laid to rest with her husband.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Betty's memory to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Betty’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)