Elizabeth Ruth (Wallin) Krsul

Elizabeth Ruth Wallin Krsul, beloved wife, step-mother, and teacher, passed away on June 17, 2025, at her home in Idaho Falls.

Betsy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 11, 1951, Walter Robert Wallin and Emma Joanna Georg Wallin. Two years later, the family moved to Idaho Falls where she attended Linden Park Elementary, graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1969. Between elementary and high school, she attended school in Sweden when her father took a position with Sweden’s nuclear power development efforts. She attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 1973. She ended her formal education obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education from Idaho State University.

She began working for the school district as a Title I Tutor at Dora Erickson Elementary School. She was offered a teaching assignment at the New Sweden School teaching there for two years. Then she taught in a private school in California before returning to New Sweden as a first grade teacher. She transferred to Westside’s first grade when the school was built in 1979. She finished her career teaching 5th grade for two years at Ethyl Boyes. When asked what she enjoyed about her job, Betsy said, “I enjoy the reciprocal love that first graders give—I learn from the children. They are a new challenge every year. I enjoy being involved in humanity, helping to make others’ lives better. In 1980, she met and married John Krsul, a widower with three small boys. Together, they worked to put a family together and recently celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

Betsy loved teaching, playing the piano, cooking, knitting, gardening, reading, skiing, Zumba, camping, and hiking. She and John climbed to 32 mountain lakes, some several times in their 45 years. She loved playing bridge with her dear friends and loved card games with her family. She took up golf in her later years, which she found particularly joyful. She continued her love of teaching by tutoring children in the neighborhood.

Betsy was very active in the community. She was a lifetime P.E.O. member serving in many roles. She served 17 years as a Trustee for the Mae Neuber Foundation for the Idaho Falls Public Library, and recently served two years on the Promise Ridge Board of Directors. She and John served as presidents of the Skyline Booster Club, as the boys were active in sports and musical events. For many years, Betsy maintained the New Sweden Memorial Garden as a labor of love, providing beautiful flowering plants, cultivating, and watering them. She and John strongly supported each other’s roles in their separate activities.

Betsy was preceded in death by her mother and father and her sister, Nancy. She is survived by her husband, John; sons, Mike in New York, Tim (Shannon) in Plymouth, MN, and Marc (Julie) in Ridgefield, WA; four grandchildren, Jackson, Carly, Kelli, and Drew. She is also survived by her brothers, Bill (Sue) and Fred; two nephews; three nieces; and several grandnieces and grandnephews; and a lot of cousins. She was truly loved by family and friends, and her contributions she made over the years will be missed.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1690 East 17th Street in Idaho Falls. A rosary will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave. Private graveside services at New Sweden Cemetery will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.