Betty Marotzke

Betty Marotzke, age 73, of rural Staples, died early Monday, November 12, 2007 at St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services will be Friday, November 16, at 10 am, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, with the Reverend Steve Sveom officiating. Friends may visit Thursday, November 15, from 5-8 pm at Brenny Funeral Home in Staples, with a remembrance service and prayers at 7:45 pm. Visitation will continue Friday morning from 9-10 am at the church. Interment will be at Evergreen Hills Cemetery in Staples. Memorials are preferred to floral gifts, please.

Betty Jane Lewis was born April 21, 1934 in Albert Lea, to Aaron and Agnes (Anderson) Lewis. After graduating from high school she began working for Northwestern Bell. She married Ralph Fredrickson of Solway, MN. in 1952. They had four children. When her children were older she accepted a management position with AT&T, traveling throughout the country to set up and maintain new offices. Betty was united in marriage to Ralph RJMarotzke October 12, 1979, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. She retired from the phone company after thirty years of service, but remained very active. She served on the building committee and the first wedding coordinator at Salem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. She managed Sylvan Shores, property owners association, for 10 years. She was a board member for the Todd County Planning and Zoning Commission for 10 years. Betty and RJ traveled extensively, enjoying leisurely car trips across the United States and overseas trips to Norway, Denmark, and Mexico. Betty was an avid gardener and used her talent for color and design in all parts of her life. Her love of life and people was shown daily; as a wife, mom, grandma and friend. Her legacy of great inner strength and faith will live on with her family.

Betty is survived by RJ, her loving husband of 28 years; their children, Linda (Kurt) Hanson, Brainerd, Deborah (James) Klatt, Maple Plain, Doug (Sue) Fredrickson, St. Cloud, Gregg (Jody) Fredrickson, Bemidji, Kris Fredrickson, Eden Prairie, Brent Marotzke, St. Paul, Mark (Linda) Marotzke, Marina on St. Croix, and Michelle (Ken) Wollen,_Eagan; nine grandchildren and several step-grandchildren; and her siblings, Myron (Bev) Lewis, Pinewood, Roger (Maryann) Lewis, Pinewood, James (Ardell) Lewis Pinewood, and Joanne (Bud) Folkert, Browerville. Her parents preceded her in death. Arrangements entrusted to Brenny Funeral Home of Staples, www.brenny.com. Memorials are preferred to flowers