Bette Gerberding

Bette Gerberding, beloved educator, champion of the arts, and loyal SDSU Jackrabbit fan dies at age 93.

Bette Jean (Graff) Gerberding, a devoted high school instructor, theater director, and arts leader who shaped generations of students and helped build a vibrant cultural community in Brookings, died on May 27 at the Estelline Nursing and Care Facility. She experienced 93 years of joyful and purposeful life.

For more than six decades, Mrs. Gerberding was a defining presence in arts education in South Dakota. As a teacher of English, speech, and theater—and longtime director of theater at Brookings High School—she introduced students to the discipline, confidence, and joy of performance. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom into the broader cultural life of the community.

Bette wholeheartedly committed to everything she undertook. She was an avid “courtside” sports fan, and her family knew not to contact her on the day after any of her teams suffered a defeat. She organized her life around the timing of SDSU’s men’s and women’s athletic events so that she would not miss a home game. She also a championed the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers and was thrilled to attend a Packers game in 2014. Her passions also included contract bridge. She remained a serious practitioner of the game and enjoyed regular “lunch and bridge” events at the Pheasant Restaurant in Brookings until her hospitalization.

Bette was born on March 29, 1933 in South Dakota and grew up in Clark. She developed an early interest in literature and performance that would shape her life’s work after starring in ”Mother is a Freshman” during her senior year of high school. She earned her undergraduate degree from SDSU and then a master’s degree focused on theater direction. She also pursued additional graduate studies at the University of Minnesota.

Bette began her teaching career in rural South Dakota schools before joining the SDSU faculty. She later became the cornerstone of the arts program at Brookings High School, where she served as theater director and English teacher beginning in the early 1970s. Over the course of her career, she directed numerous productions and mentored countless students—many of whom carried forward her lessons in theatrical performance and public sparking. She was also deeply engaged in community arts organizations, including the Brookings Community Theatre, Prairie Repertory Theatre, and the Brookings Area Arts Council, where she also served in leadership roles.

Colleagues and former students remember Mrs. Gerberding as a devoted mentor who believed deeply in the transformative power of the arts. She encouraged young people to take risks, find their voice, and hold themselves to high standards. Her work helped establish a lasting foundation for theater and arts education in Brookings and across the region. Her contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including a lifetime achievement award from the South Dakota High School Activities Association, the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator Award, a Living for the Arts award, and distinguished service recognition for the South Dakota speech and theater community.

Bette is survived by her children Julie (David Rose), John (Janell), Leslie (John Drozd), grandchildren Seth and Holly (Travis Van Roekel) brother Paul (Carolyn), sister-in law Kay, Joe Tischler, beloved nieces and nephews, and her honorary family Jason and Malorie Hansen and their daughters Emma, Sophia, and Hannah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara and Andean Graff, siblings Ruth, John, Jane Lien, and Judy Folkestad, and her former husband, Carroll Gerberding.

In a life dedicated to education and the arts, Bette Gerberding left an enduring mark on thousands of students and the many communities that benefitted from her talents.

A celebration of Bette’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 12:30pm at the Brookings High School Bell Auditorium Theater, 530 Elm Avenue in Brookings. Family friends, and former students are welcome!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be directed to the SDSU Alumni and Foundation’s Jackrabbit Club or the SDSU Foundation’s Prairie Repertory Theatre Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Furness Funeral Home in Clark, South Dakota. Please direct any condolences or memorials to Furness Funeral Home. https://www.furnessfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bette-gerberding