Betty Jean Burreson

Betty Jean (Storts, Dornink) Burreson, 87, of Winona died on November 29, 2020 surrounded by her family. Betty was born on December 27, 1932 to Idell Storts. Betty was later adopted by Marvin and Jessie Dornink of Greenleafton, MN. Betty married Donald W. Burreson on March 7, 1949. 6 children were born to this union. They later divorced. Betty attended the country school outside of Greenleafton and was raised on the family farm. Later in life she attended Winona State University where she studied Geology, Biology, Entomology and Photography. She had a love for the outdoors and while in college she published a document on prairie grasses and flowers. She discovered a new species of Prairie Plants that was named after her. She worked to restore prairies around the Winona area. Betty enjoyed family gatherings, reading, sewing, antiques, gardening, art, music, searching for fossils with her great grandchildren, hiking in the woods, goat prairies, bird watching, and most of all, life.
Betty is survived by her children, Gary Burreson, Sheila (Stephen) Arnold, Keeta (Keith) Haugen, Lisa (Don) Peterson, Eric (Brent) Burreson; she loved her grandchildren, Freya, Felicia, Shawna, Colin, Amber, Sarah, Sam, Seth, Chad, Darrin, Jason, Jeremy, Zack, Regina, Dustin; And her great-grandchildren, Dante, Drake, Shonte, Katlyn, Kalib, Cameron, Corey, Jasmine, Kody, Carlos, Katlyn, Erik, Andrew, Isabelle, Audrey, Aiden, Brady, Chase, Erica, Ashley, Rayland, Jadzia, Tristan, Kendon, Brianna, Shelby, Jayden; brothers, Marlow (Alice) Dornink, Paul Mosey, Dave VanKempen, and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Laurie Jean Burreson; parents, Marvin and Jesse Dornink, Idell Mosey; brothers, Elden Dornink, Verlyn Dornink, Charles Blaisdell, Richard VanKempen, Mike VanKempen.
She will truly be missed.
A Memorial service will be held in the spring. Cards may be sent to Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Attn: Burreson Family, 3480 Service Dr, Winona, MN 55987.