Elizabeth Marie (Hussa) Hessel died in the early morning hours of November 4, 2026. She was born June 7, 1950 and grew up in West Salem, Wisconsin.

Betsy is survived by her husband Craig and her brothers John and Bob Hussa, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her step children David Mann, Peter Mann, and Ellen Walsh were prominent in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Florian and Elizabeth (Ashcraft) Hussa and brothers Dick and infant James Hussa.

Betsy was proud of her family, her high school (West Salem, Go Panthers!) and the long gone but beloved Hussa Brewery. She was indefatigably curious about what makes people tick. She was an unhesitating participant in events planned and spontaneous, including football homecoming, any Brewers game, lasagna parties, celebrations both gala and intimate. She had an open arms policy for children. She was no friend of sadness, and seemed to work overtime to cheer up her friends and do the little things that make a friendship more interesting.

Betsy worked in finance and she was good at it. For a French major, she was a heckuva mortgage expert, detail-oriented, careful and protective.

I (Craig) knew Betsy from UW Madison in the 1970s. We were a bunch of guys on Drake St. (including my high school friend Steve) and Betsy was with a bunch of girls on nearby Orchard St. (including her best friend for life Ann). Ann and Steve Van Ess are still married 50 or so years later.

Fast forward to year 2000, I followed Betsy to Paris France one month after she had arrived. We were together there 24 hours a day for 11 months. Back in the states, we married on April 20, 2002. Betsy was the best thing that ever happened in my life. I will miss her dearly.

Betsy had so many friends. I apologize for not remembering all the names or recounting their stories. I write this section now shortly after her passing.

There will be a celebration of life at a place and time yet to be determined. Please check back at a later time for the updated time and location.

Craig Hessel

Please share your memories below in the online guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434