Elizabeth ("Betty") Kraege Higby Jauernig Elizabeth ("Betty") Irene Kraege Higby Jauernig, 91, died February 5, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born January 24, 1931 in Wausau, WI, daughter of the late Fred and Erna (Stubbe) Kraege. Recently she shared her three biggest accomplishments: having eight kids, becoming a private pilot, and growing up on a farm milking cows. Although Betty was required to leave formal education after the 8th grade based on the societal norms at that time, she never lost her love and thirst for knowledge. She obtained her GED, Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate, and took numerous classes at the local college. Her favorite classes were Creative Writing and Archaeology. She also attended classes at Chautauqua Institution in New York. Her collection of non-fiction educational material was first class and she never stopped reading and learning. During her life she corresponded with many interesting people, including Buckskin Bill from Idaho-one of the last "great mountain men", and Dian Fossey in Africa (gorilla expert and author of "Gorillas in the Mist"). Her name has been inscribed in her honor and memory at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum, New York. Betty had an adventurous spirit, especially for a female in her era. She started taking flying lessons at age 14 in a J3 Cub, soloed at age 16, and obtained her private pilot's license at age 17. She co-owned an Aeronca Champ with her brothers and flew it from the family farm fields in Ringle. She was also a licensed motorcycle operator, first learning on a Harley Davidson, and by age 18 owned an Indian Arrow. Many years after her last child had left home Betty flew to Minnesota to take a one-hour lesson flying a 747 in a simulator at the Northwest Aerospace Training Center. She switched to arm chair adventures only after her health prevented her from traveling. Betty loved doing crossword puzzles, and playing Sheepshead, Rummy, and Solitaire. Her first job at age 14 was as a live-in nanny and housekeeper at the Westgate family home in Wausau, WI. She adored the child, Margaret ("Peggy"), and always spoke fondly of both the child and the family throughout her life. She said it was the best job she ever had. Some of her other favorite jobs were working as a CNA with the wonderful nuns at Bell Tower, Merrill, WI; working for the VNA, one of the best organizations ever created according to Betty; and working as a security guard at J. I. Case and at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum--a world class museum. Survivors include seven children: Virginia (Warren) Heckert, Hatley; Arlinda Warren, Mosinee; Sandy Kraege, Jacksonville, Florida; Alan (Sylvia) Higby, Kent, Washington; Stanley (Dvonna) Higby, Baraboo; Eve (Dallas) Lee, Oxford, Georgia; Annette Higby, Bonsall, California; one brother: Albert (Ardyth) Kraege, Stevens Point; one sister-in-law: Annabelle (late Rudy) Kraege, Ringle. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amber (Ric Dinh) Heckert; Todd Heckert; Crystal Heckert; Coral (Bryan) Nelson; Jeana Warren; Katelyn Higby; Ashley Higby; step-grandchildren; great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her son, Patrick (late Marge) Higby; her sister, Adeline (late Rufus) Rodemeier; two brothers: Walter Kraege and Rudy (Annabelle) Kraege; a grandson Matthew Warren; a granddaughter Jessie Lee; and a stepson Edward (late Valerie) Higby. The family wishes to thank all those who helped care for Mom including Oak Heights and Care Partners in Schofield and the nurses and doctors at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Avenue, Schofield, WI 54476. In lieu of flowers, Mom's two favorite charities were Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin Friends. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Masks are strongly recommended.