Betty Jean (Kampfert) Germain

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Betty Jean Germain (née Kampfert) of Petoskey, Michigan on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022. Betty lived a long and fulfilling life until the age of 98.

Betty was born on August 19th, 1923 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Emma (Gutekunst) and William Kampfert. She attended Ann Arbor Public Schools, graduating from Ann Arbor High School in 1941. After high school, she attended Cleary College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was proud to have worked for many years at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, including working for Dr. Jonas Salk.

On September 2, 1950, Betty married the love of her life, Lowell J. Germain. They spent 41 wonderful years together before his death on December 26, 1991. Betty and Lowell were members of Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, while Betty was also a member of the Lambda Chi Omega national business sorority, Pi Chapter.

Betty and Lowell lived in Ann Arbor until retiring to Petoskey in 1984, with the exception of 1964-1966 when they and their three children relocated to Chipping Ongar, Essex, England for Lowell’s job with Ford Motor Company. Betty loved living abroad, visiting many countries, such as Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

Betty enjoyed traveling, reading, birding, needlework, snowmobiling, boating, bowling, and any outdoor activity. She generously hosted her grandchildren every summer, taking them on adventures to Sault Ste. Marie, Whitefish Point, Tahquamenon Falls, and Mackinac Island. She very much enjoyed sharing her love of Petoskey and the lake with her family.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Harry W. Kampfert, as well as her loving husband, Lowell.

Betty leaves behind a beautiful legacy with her three children: Kathleen Ann Germain of Petoskey, Patricia Lynn Alber of Tecumseh, and Michele Elaine Germain of Petoskey; her grandchildren: Kristoffer Stephen Alber, Kate Emma Alber, and Christy Lynn Germain, who were the joys of her life; and her great-grandchildren who she adored: Cassadee Ann Germain and Callynn Jean Germain. In her final years, she was dearly cared for by her granddaughter, Christy.

The family will have a private graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Traverse Conservancy or McLaren Hiland Cottage Hospice House, who cared for Betty so compassionately in her final days.

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