Obituary
Marlene Janice Rietfort
Marlene J. Rietfort, 82, of Sparta, Wisconsin, formerly of Waseca, passed away peacefully Feb.7, 2016, at the Morrow Home.
She was born Jan. 14, 1934, to Adeline and Marvin Domy in Waseca, MN. . Attending high school at Waseca High School. Following graduation in 1952, Marlene was married to Dwayne G. Rietfort on October 5, 1952. She attended Mankato Commercial College.
Marlene spent most of her life in the community that she served. She was actively involved in church, the hospital, the Girl Scouts, and public schools. Her involvement included Waseca Arts Council, Lions Club, Girl Scouts, Monday Study Club, Rebekah’s (Odd Fellows), Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Band Parents Association, Waseca Area Hospital Board, and County Republicans.
Leadership positions included Co-chair and Chairman of the 1988 and 1998 All School Reunions, Lions Club President, Waseca Arts Council President, American Legion Auxiliary President, and Minnesota Republican Women. Marlene was honored in 1991 with the Don Eustice Community Service Award and received other numerous awards for her leadership and service at county and state levels.
She worked at Faith United Methodist Church since 1957 until her retirement serving as the organist and secretary until her retirement for over 40 years. She will be remembered as an accomplished musician, devoted grand-mother and for her dedication to the Waseca community.
She is survived by her children, Michelle L.(Peter) Anderson of Parker, Colo,; grandchildren, Jamie, Katherine, Rachel, and Margaret; 4 great- grandchildren and Jolene (John) Renda of Tomah, WI; grandchildren Tyler and Mikala. Her sister, Mardell (Darwin) Bartlett of Red Wing, MN; brother-in-law Jerry Rietfort of Reeds Lake and sister-in law, Jannet Rietfort; many nieces and nephews, relatives and dear friends.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Dwayne G. Rietfort, and her parents, Marvin and Adaline Domy.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 12, 2016, at Faith United Methodist Church in Waseca. The Rev. Victor Waters will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Waseca Area Foundation and Faith United Methodist Church. Coulee Region Cremation Group of Onalaska, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.couleecremation.com/obituaries/
We are grateful for your mother’s life, Jolene. Your parents made it possible for us to have you in our lives and that is a remarkable gift that I treasure. always.
The next place that I go
will be as peaceful and familiar
as a sleepy summer Sunday
and a sweet untroubled mind.
(From The Next Place byWarren Hanson)
With love to you and John, Tyler and Mikala,
Peggy and Ted
Thinking and praying for you and your families, Jolene and John
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and sympathy your way.
I enjoyed serving with Marlene for my 9 years in the Waseca Lions Club. She was a real go-getter, always willing to do whatever was needed. She served well. As Club Secretary she ordered my Club President plaque and spelled my last name wrong. I actually had to show Marlene my driver’s license to convince her the correct spelling of my own name. It gave me a few years opportunity to rib her about it. She took it all in stride…I think. She was a special woman and worthy of great respect. I will never forget her.