Betty Bleistein, 76, slipped away from our arms into the loving arms of Jesus on August 12, 2021. She was born on November 20, 1944, in Chicago IL to Russell Haak and Zola Bailey Haak. When she was just a toddler her family moved back to the family farm after her father finished his duty in the Army. She grew up a farm girl and lived her entire life in Polo. She met the love of her life, Joe Bleistein in high school. They were engaged at their Christmas dance senior year and married June 29, 1963.
For many years Betty was a stay-at-home mom to Scott and Kelly. She began working as school secretary at Centennial school in Polo. She then worked for Kreider Services in Dixon IL. While there she attended Sauk Valley College, earning an associate degree. She moved on to a position in the office of the Dixon Correctional Center. While there she finished her bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Western Illinois University. She worked in accounting at the correctional center until her retirement.
Betty was very active with the Polo Public Library, serving on the board for many years. She was also active at her church, St Mary’s Catholic Church in Polo serving on many boards and councils. She was a member and served as a leader with AFSCME Local Union 817. Up until her passing she was also very active at the Polo Senior Center.
Betty is survived by her husband of 58 years Joe, son Scott with wife Shelly and children Conor, Maeve and Ava; daughter Kelly, with husband Scott and children Anna, Leah and Maya. She is also survived by her sisters Beverly Pace and Pat Haak, sister-in-law Donna Niemczyk and husband Denny, brother-in-law Bob Bleistein and wife Rickie, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, nephews Brian Pace, John Pace and brother-in-law Jim Bleistein.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 3rd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Polo from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Mass will begin at 11:00. Burial at St. Mary’s cemetery will follow immediately after. Cremation has been accorded. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials in her name to the Polo Public Library or the Polo Senior Center.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
