Elise Mink Obituary Elise Bettschen Mink, age 76, of Baxter, MN, passed away on October 7, 2024. Born on February 18, 1948, in Arthur, North Dakota, she was the beloved daughter of Edna Rudrud and Robert Bettschen. Elise graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in education, embarking on a fulfilling career that began as a high school government teacher. Her primary professional focus was in public health, where she dedicated much of her life to organizations such as Easter Seals, the American Red Cross, and Kinship Partners. Elise and her husband, Don, were actively involved in community service and their church, playing vital roles in organizations such as Eastern Star in both Minnesota and Illinois, where she served as Conductress for the Grand Chapter of Illinois. Elise was an enthusiastic and long-time supporter of local music like Brainerd-based group Legacy and cherished her time with the Decatur and Young Park Singers in Illinois. Music was a source of joy for her, and she made many dear friends through her connections with these groups. On June 24, 1971, Elise married Donald Gene Mink, whom she met at the Wesley Foundation during her college years at NDSU. Together, they raised a son, David Squire Mink. Elise treasured family time and had a passion for sports, cheering enthusiastically for the Golden Gophers Womens Basketball team, the Twins and Cardinals in baseball, Vikings football, and, above all, the NDSU Bison. Elise is survived by her loving husband, Don, and their son, David. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, David Bettschen, and his wife, Lois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elises honor to Kinship Partners of Brainerd.