Betty A. Hamerlinck

Elizabeth “Betty” A. Hamerlinck, 89, of Milan, Illinois, passed Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at home surrounded by her family's love.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley, with a Rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan, Illinois, with Father Gary Castor officiating. Burial will follow at Western Township Cemetery, Orion. A funeral luncheon will be held at the church following the burial. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan.

Elizabeth Ann DeGrauwe was born on January 3, 1937, in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Mary (VanVeirdeghem) DeGrauwe. She graduated from Alleman High School with the class of 1955.

Both sides of her family were part of the major wave of Flemish Belgian immigrants who moved to the Midwest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She married the love of her life, Joseph “Gene” Hamerlinck, on July 21, 1956, in Rock Island, Illinois. When Betty married Gene, she married into another iconic local Belgian family. Together, Betty and Gene operated a multi-generational family farm in Milan, Illinois. This wasn't just a business; it reflected the classic Belgian immigrant work ethic. Together they shared 74 wonderful years and would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary later this month. They built a beautiful life together, raising six children on their family farm in Milan, Illinois.

Betty proudly considered herself a professional wife and mother, later earning the title of grandmother and great-grandmother. Everything she did revolved around her family, who were the center of her world and her greatest source of pride. Her love for family was matched by her deep and abiding faith. She was a devoted member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan and faithfully lived her values through service to others. She also volunteered as a room mother at her children's schools and served as an election official for the Rural Township.

She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and countless games of Rummikub. She looked forward to completing the crossword puzzle in People magazine, the occasional opportunity to go shopping, and had a special fondness for Betty Boop. More than anything, Betty loved talking about her family and celebrating their accomplishments. Whether attending the county fair, cheering on a sporting event, or spending time together, she found her greatest happiness in her family’s presence. She delighted in spoiling the people she loved and made each of them feel special.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Gene Hamerlinck of Milan, Illinois; her children, Mark (Ann) Hamerlinck, Jerry (Ronda) Hamerlinck, Laurie (Dan) Bennett, Eric (Jacque) Hamerlinck, and Angela (Kyle Wilkey) Larson-Wilkey; her grandchildren, Andrea, Ryan, Amanda, Cody, Austin, Kristin, Breanna, Brandon, Tyler, Beau, Brooklyn, Kyson, Mason, Jemma, and Ella; her great-grandchildren, Kinley, Jayden, Wesley, Alaina, Sadie, Wyatt, Maya, Jax, Hazel, Ivy, Davie Jo, Cash, Briggs, Lucy, Blakelynn, and great-grandchild number 16, who is expected in December; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whom she loved.

She was preceded in death by her son, David Hamerlinck; her parents, Arthur and Mary DeGrauwe; her siblings, Robert DeGrauwe and Mary Louise (Johnny) Sandlin; her parents-in-law, Joseph and Hazel Hamerlinck; her brothers- and sister-in-law, Dale (Betty) Hamerlinck, Dean Hamerlinck, and Mary (Russ) Wilhelm; and her favorite cow, Betsy, who enjoyed a very long life.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who cared for Betty throughout her journey, especially her nurses with Beacon of Hope Hospice, Kendall, Amy, and Amanda; her caregivers, Missy, Heather, Alayna, Jennifer, Terri, Tatum, Kamya, Kelly, Cindy, Teresa, Reyna, and the many others whom Betty came to cherish.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.