Marietta Novotny

Obituary

Marietta Martha Novotny was born December 23, 1939, on the home farm in Round Grove Township, McLeod County, Minnesota, the daughter of Walter and Helena (Pagel) Rettig. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township. Marietta grew up in Round Grove Township, and attended school at District 64 country school. She graduated from the Brownton High School with the Class of 1958, and continued her education at Gale University in Minneapolis. She then worked in Minneapolis.

On July 3, 1960, Marietta was united in marriage to Ralph Novotny at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township. Marietta and Ralph made their home on the family farm in Osceola Township, rural Hector. Her life centered around being a homemaker, working in their farming operation with fieldwork and livestock, and raising their two daughters, Margaret and Marjorie. Marietta loved gardening, and enjoyed the time spent in her huge garden on the farm. She preserved her garden produce, shared with many, and also sold it at the Farmer’s Markets.

Marietta was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Hector, and was involved with various groups and committees. She enjoyed cooking, and was a talented cake decorator, providing cakes for countless celebrations. Over her lifetime she cared for the physical and spiritual needs of many, young and old, relatives and friends.

Marietta, alongside her husband, was involved with the Renville County Historical Society, Farm Bureau, and National Soybean Growers Assoc.  She enjoyed bowling league, fishing, flea markets, touring museums and dancing.  A highlight of each year was the annual family fishing trip.  They also took many driving vacations across the country, sight-seeing and visiting relatives. Three years ago Marietta and Ralph moved into Prairie View Assisted Living in Hector.

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, Marietta passed away at the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota, after a three-year brave battle against cancer. She had reached the age of 78 years, 6 months, 4 days. Blessed be her memory.

Marietta is survived by her:

Husband, Ralph Novotny, presently residing at RenVilla Health Center;

Daughters,      Margaret Melich and her husband David of Hector, and
                         Marjorie Schroeder and her husband Dean of Renville;

Grandchildren: John (Ashley) Melich of Hector, Valerie (Luke) Johnson of Glencoe, Rachel Schroeder of Lake Park, IA, and Macius Schroeder of Renville;

Sister, Janetta Augustine and husband Wayne of Glencoe;

Brother, Clinton Rettig and wife Marilyn of Brownton;

Sister-in-law, Ginger Kiecker and husband Robert of Fairfax;

nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Marietta was preceded in death by her Parents, Walter and Helena Rettig, Parents-in-law, George and Edith Novotny, Sister Annasonia Rose and husband Ervin, Sister-in-law Doris Higgins and husband Robert, and Brother-in-law Glenn Novotny and wife Judy.