Betty Lou Carter left this world on November 29, 2023 at the age of 97 surrounded by God’s merciful love and peace. She was born on November 19, 1926 to William and Elsie (Lautenslager) Esslinger of Oshkosh. Betty was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church and currently a member of the new Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. She attended and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1945. In 1959 at the Roxy Bar of Oshkosh she met the love of her life Charles Carter and they were married on June 13, 1959. They made their home in Pulaski, Wisconsin for the first 10 years of marriage where Charlie had founded the Carver Boat Company and built Carter Airport. In 1969 they moved to Florida, first to the East coast and then to Central Florida where along with nephew Mark Backus founded Carter Aircraft Corp. After 44 years of Florida life, they returned to Oshkosh to be with family.

Betty Lou, or lovingly nicknamed “Betts” had a very full and vibrant life. In her early years she worked as a bookkeeper for an appliance store and then went on to become the bookkeeper for her husband’s business ventures. She was the president of the Christ Lutheran Church Businesswomen’s Club of Oshkosh as well as the president of the Women’s Golf Association in Sebring, Florida. She became an Elks Club member later in life. Golfing, boating, shopping, traveling and playing bridge were her favorite activities. They belonged to several Country Clubs wherever they made their home and loved to throw parties for many of their life-long friends as well as family that often came to visit. She also loved to go to the casino and have weekly scratch off sessions with family and friends.

Betts had a very generous heart and always shared that with her family of stepchildren Gary/Karen Carter, Chuck/Pat Carter as well as her many nieces and nephews throughout her life. She was incredibly grateful for and loved all of them, especially for Chrissy Esselman, Mary and Mark Backus who were blessed to be her caretakers in her final years.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by the love of her life Charlie and his son Chuck and Granddaughter Toni Gayle. Her dear sisters June, Jane, and Germaine, nephews- Rick McGraw, Dennis McGraw, William (Billy) Fauk, niece- Cheryl (Fauk) Spalding and great nephews Brandon and Nathan Backus and Mark Spalding.

A special Thank You to all the staff at Aspire Senior Living and Eden Meadows of Oshkosh, including the Doctors and Nurses at Aurora for the care and love you provided her.

Visitation for Betty will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church 1860 Wisconsin St. in Oshkosh from 10:00am to 12:00pm with service at 12:00pm officiated by Rev Connie Weiss. Luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to: Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church Rise Against Hunger Fund

“FEAR NOT FOR I HAVE REDEEMED THEE, I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME THOU ART MINE”

Isaiah 43:1