Betty Ann (Lunka) Aanes

Betty Ann Aanes, age 88, longtime resident of Hibbing and formerly of Bomi Hills, Liberia, died Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.  She was born September 11, 1935, in Utica Location, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Arko) Lunka.  She was a graduate of Hibbing High School.  Betty was united in marriage to Lloyd Gustafson on June 13, 1953, in Hibbing.   She was later united in marriage to her second husband Bjorne “Bud” Aanes in Hibbing.
Betty worked as the Executive Secretary for the Superintendent of Schools in Hibbing.  She was a member of First Lutheran Church and was active in their guilds and circles.  She spent many hours volunteering with the Salvation Army, Shriner’s, the Red Hat Society and other organizations.  She was an avid crafter and baker, participating in and hosting many holiday boutiques and creating beautiful and intricate Christmas ornaments.   
Betty travelled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, vacationing, visiting family in Seattle and participating in state, regional and national square dance and polka conventions. She was proud of her Slovenian heritage, travelling to visit family in Slovenia/Yugoslavia and frequently attending events at the Slovenian Home in Chisholm. 
During her time in Liberia, Betty worked for the Liberian Mining Company/U.S. Steel and later organized a reunion in the United States for mining company personnel and their families.
Betty was a loving, giving person who will be fondly remembered.
Betty is survived by her son: Gary (Shelley Arjes) Gustafson of Floodwood, MN; brother: Frederic Lunka of Hibbing; and nieces and nephews:  Susan Lunka of Auburn, WA, Kathy Rivera of Bonney Lake, WA, Nancy Schwehm of Kent, WA Marilyn Timlick of Auburn, WA, and Ted Lunka of Bothell, WA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Lloyd Gustafson and Bjorne “Bud” Aanes; and brother and sister-in-law: Franklin (Ruth) Lunka.
Visitation will be from 10:00am until the 11:00am Funeral Service on Thursday, November 16 at the First Lutheran Church in Hibbing.  The Reverend John Dietz will officiate.  Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.  Luncheon at First Lutheran Church to follow.
Family Services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing.  To express condolences on-line or to view the service live-streamed please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.