Betty Antoinette Troska, age 91, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, (formerly of Goodridge, MN), passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on April 7, 1934, in rural Florian, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Stanley Szczepanski, Jr. and Clara Irene (Price) Szczepanski. Raised in a close-knit Polish Catholic family, Betty was baptized and confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, where her lifelong devotion to her faith first took root.

Betty attended country school through the eighth grade and, with characteristic determination, later earned her GED as an adult. She met the love of her life, Harvey Troska, at a local dance. They were married in June of 1956. Together they built a life centered on farming, family, and faith in Goodridge, MN. As a homemaker and farm wife, Betty worked tirelessly alongside Harvey, embodying the resilience and resourcefulness of rural Minnesota life.

Her hands were rarely still—she was known for her sewing, quilting, baking, canning, and gardening. Her quilts warmed generations, her canned goods filled countless shelves, and her baked treats were staples at family gatherings. A devout Catholic, Betty was deeply involved in her church community and was honored to serve as a reader during Mass. She was also an active member of Ladies’ Aid at St. Ann’s, the Garden Club, and the Quilter’s Guild.

Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she nurtured each relationship with tenderness and pride. She also had a vibrant love for polka dancing, especially to the music of the Kathy Erickson Band—a pastime that brought her immense happiness throughout her life.

She is survived by her children: Georgine Troska of Spring, TX; Daniel Troska of Cannon Falls, MN; Vicki (Gerry) Smisek of Lonsdale, MN; Patrick Troska of Minneapolis, MN; Diana (Jim) Schulz of Tucson, AZ; Richard (Tanya) Troska of Brooklyn Park, MN; and James Troska of Moorhead, MN.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Antoinette (Mark) Storlie, Emily (Kevin King) Schulz, Adam Schulz, Elizabeth Schulz, Nikolai (Mat) Troska, Mykala “Bugs” Ericksen, Lillian Troska, Justin Christopherson, Jacob Rolle, Elliot Troska, and Jonathan Troska; and her great-grandchildren: Everett Storlie and Henrik Storlie.

Betty is further survived by her siblings: Maxine Holmstrom, Marlene Szczepanski, and Jerry Szczepanski.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harvey Troska, her son Llewelyn Troska, her parents Stanley and Clara Szczepanski, and her siblings Stella Kathman and Joann Marrin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Goodridge, Minnesota, with Father Bryan Kujawa officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Betty’s life was one of faith, family, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the traditions she passed down, and the love she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Catholic Eldercare in Minneapolis, MN.