Arvilla Tretter

Arvilla Tretter of Pierz passed away on Monday, April 22, 2013 at her home surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM with visitation and a Christian Mother's Rosary at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding with Father David Maciej officiating.

Arvilla was born on March 17, 1940 on a farm near Harding, the daughter of Adolph Kowalczyk and Catherine (Sufka) Kowalczyk. As a small child she lived with her grandparents, Mike and Sophie Sufka. She would often conspire with grandpa Sufka to wiggly her way out of chores. They attended midnight mass together.

In 1945 Catherine married Elmer (Boot) Young. They raised Arvilla on a farm near Harding. Arvilla attended elementary school at St. Stephen's Catholic School in Minneapolis and country schools near Harding. She worked as a cook's helper and graduated from Little Falls High School.

On January 20, 1959 Arvilla was united in marriage to Alphonse (Al) Boser. They raised two children on a family farm near Lastrup. In 1961 Al tragically lost his life and Arvilla endured a long hospital recovery, the result of a car accident. She and her two children moved to Pierz. Arvilla filled in at Munsingwear as a seamstress.

On November 28, 1963 Arvilla was united in marriage to Donald Tretter. They raised six children on their farm north of Pierz. Arvilla had many talents. She was noted for her excellent cooking abilities. If you had stopped by at meal time, a plate would have been set at the table for you. And if it was Sunday, you would have been treated to fried chicken. Arvilla lovingly cared for her lush flowerbeds and a vegetable garden abundant in harvest for fall canning. She pitched for the Shady Brook softball team, throwing a high curve ball. When asked how she mastered such a pitch, she responded it came from years of picking rocks. She loved painting landscapes, sewing and knitting. Arvilla was adored for her compassion and love of life. She had a wonderful sense of humor that mischievously and lovingly touched many people in unforgettable ways.

In 1975 Arvilla was diagnosis with Lupus. She would spend the rest of her years courageously battling the disease. She remained a pillar of strength for her family, always lending wisdom and readily sharing her wit.

Left to cherish her memory are husband of 49 ½ years, Donald Tretter of Pierz; children, David Boser of Brainerd, Jeannie (Ron) Miller of Little Falls, Jacqueline (Bobby) Keehr of Pierz, Daniel (Kim) Tretter of Pierz, Jodi (Mike) Thorn of Belgrade, MT; sisters, Doris (Virgil) Hoffman of Port Charlotte, FL, Diane (Steve) Waytashek of Pierz, Judy (Jim) Pulak of Harding, Debbie (Jim) Knopik of Little Falls, Donna (John) Ostdiek of Golden Valley; brothers, Larry (Mary Lou) Young of Harding, Benny (Denise) Young of Long Lake; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

Arvilla was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Tretter; parents, Adolph (Florence) Kowalczyk and Catherine (Boot) Young.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Randall, MN.