Marilyn Kietzer

Marilyn Kietzer, of Mapleton, formerly of rural Vernon Center, MN, passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Mapleton Community Home surrounded by family, at the age of 86.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church-Willow Creek, rural Vernon Center, with Rev. John Bennett officiating. Visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery-North Willow Creek Cemetery. Zaharia Family Funeral Home of Truman is entrusted with arrangements. www.ZahariaFamilyFuneral.com

 Marilyn Jean Lillian Sonnabend was born February 26, 1935, in Ceresco Township to Erich Frank and Leona Veronica (Franke) Sonnabend.

 She had a christian upbringing, was baptized, and later confirmed on March 21, 1948.  She was united in marriage with Leland Kietzer on June 10, 1953. This union was blessed with 4 children.  Marilyn was active in the St. John’s Lutheran Willow Creek Church where she was a member of the Dorcas Society and enjoyed services weekly.  She was a homemaker, helping with the farm; making sure the family and animals were fed and healthy. Marilyn’s hot beef, smoked sausages and flaky apple squares will be missed for sure.  She had a special Hot Chocolate milk recipe that can’t be beat!  Marilyn loved many things: her dogs, reading, playing cards, riding her bicycle and being with her family, celebrating the many blessings she had.

Marilyn is survived by one daughter, Jolene Mohwinkel, of Amboy; two sons, James (Pam) Kietzer of Vernon Center and Jay (Terri) Kietzer, of Vernon Center; one daughter-in-law, Leann Kietzer, of Lamberton; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; sister, Beverly Sonnabend of New London; brothers, Robert (Carol) Sonnabend of Rochester, Dennis (Janice) Sonnabend of Amboy; sister-in-law, Rita Connelly of Benson; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leland Kietzer; one son, Jeff Kietzer; granddaughter, Jean Kietzer; great-granddaughter, Willow Schwandt; sister, Vicky Sonnabend; brother, Jerry Sonnabend and infant brother.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church-Willow Creek.

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