Obituary for Betty Anne Musker

Betty Anne Musker (née Knudson), 93, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026.

Born on February 15, 1933, in rural Hardin County, Iowa, Betty was the daughter of Clarence E. “Knute” Knudson and Rosalie Williams. She was lovingly raised in Clear Lake by her grandparents, Lewis and Mabel Knudson, whose guidance and care helped shape the faith, character, and determination that would define her life.

Music was one of Betty’s greatest passions. An accomplished pianist, alto saxophonist, and vocalist, she shared her gifts throughout her life in churches, choirs, and her community. She attended Trinity College in Chicago, Illinois, where she studied music and Christian education. In 1952, she toured across the country with the college choir and was frequently invited to sing in churches throughout the Chicago area. It was through one of those church appearances that she met Jack Musker. The two were married in 1957 and shared nearly seven decades together.

Throughout her career, Betty worked in administrative positions while remaining deeply involved in music. She sang in and directed church choirs, taught piano lessons, and inspired others through her love of worship and song.

As Jack’s healthcare career took them to Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Nebraska and back home to Clear Lake, Iowa, Betty embraced each new community and home. She took particular pride in restoring historic houses, bringing new life and beauty to the places where her family lived. She also enjoyed music with their church family at First Covenant Church, cooking, baking, arts and crafts, and creating a warm and welcoming home for family and friends.

Among some of Betty’s happiest memories were the summers she and Jack, their kids and families spent on Washington Island, Wisconsin. There, she became actively involved with Bethel Church, often sharing her musical talents as a guest soloist and forming cherished friendships within the island community.

Above all, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Those who knew her will remember her strong faith, steadfast prayer life, unwavering love for her family, her willingness to help others, and the grace and strength with which she lived.

Betty is survived by her husband, Jack Musker; her son, Jeff Musker; her daughter, Jennifer Andrade; Joel Andrade; her granddaughter, Joellen Andrade; her brother, Bill (Karen) Knudson; and her sister, Vicky Rasser (Ron Ponder), nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul Musker; her father, Clarence E. “Knute” Knudson; her mother, Rosalie Williams; and her grandparents, Lewis and Mabel Knudson.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Bethel Church of Washington Island, Wisconsin.

Betty’s legacy of faith, music, love, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.