July 16, 1936 - October 15, 2022
Marietta Georgeann (Zitterich) Norris, age 86 of Lake Mills, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.
Visitation for Marietta will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Schott Funeral Homes-Mittelstadt Chapel, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 105 E. 3rd St. in Scarville with Pastor Randy Baldwin and Pastor Joel Guttormson officiating. Burial will be in the North Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, rural Leland.
Her service will be recorded and available to view the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 21. Please go to schottfuneralhomes.com, click on Marietta’s obituary page, go to the “Tribute Wall” and the recorded service will be posted there.
Marietta Georgeann Zitterich Norris was born at the family home near Rodman on July 16, 1936, to Edwin and Charlotte (Johnson) Zitterich. She was the youngest of five children: Justin, Jeralda, Merle, Eldon and Marietta. Born prematurely during the hot, dry summer of 1936, her mother wrapped Marietta in blankets and used a dresser drawer for her bassinet. Marietta’s ten year old sister Jeralda suggested she be named after a paternal aunt (Mary) and uncle (George). The family lived on many farms growing up as Ed found work helping local farmers. However, when Ed was hired by Minard Lein, a dairy and crop farmer near Graettinger, the family settled in the Graettinger area. Charlotte found work as a waitress in the local cafe and the Zitterichs lived in a second home on the Lein farm. Minard, his wife Maybelle and son Jim, became Marietta’s second family. Maybelle was instrumental in teaching Marietta how to cook, sew/mend and garden; Jim and Marietta were like brother and sister.
Marietta attended country schools until eighth grade when she entered Graettinger Consolidated Schools, the “town” school. It was during high school that she made many lifelong friends including Merlin Norris, who would eventually become her husband. During high school Marietta worked for the local dentist, Dr. Shiley, as bookkeeper. After graduation in 1956, Marietta attended Minnesota Business College in Mankato where she honed her bookkeeping, typing, proofreading and filing skills, becoming very proficient in all.
Marietta and Merlin were united in marriage at St. Paul Lutheran, Graettinger, on Aug. 12, 1956. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Barbara Renee, Rodney Ivan and William (Bill) Fredrich. Merlin was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1962; Marietta became a pastor’s wife.
Marietta was a quiet, behind-the-scenes person. Merlin acknowledged her as his rock and faithful supporter not only as wife during their 63 year marriage but also as a pastor’s wife in ministry. She was always a champion for the “underdog”. As pastor’s wife, she was aware of the silent needs of people and ministered to them via food, phone calls or visits. Marietta always had a smile on her face, a positive attitude and a warm welcome for anyone she met. Marietta also served as Merlin’s secretary in each of the churches he served...rarely did she have any mistakes in the Sunday bulletin or monthly newsletter! Marietta was also the family chronicler of events, keeping a daily journal of life in the Norris household from 1964-2018.
When Merlin decided in 2018 that caring for Marietta’s Alzheimer’s was becoming too much, it was a family decision (including Marietta) for her to enter the Lake Mills Care Center. From that day on Marietta proclaimed, “The Care Center is my new home and I’m going to make the best of it”...and she did. She participated in every craft and special event offered. She greeted staff and residents alike on her many walks up and down the halls. Marietta would enthusiastically share with everyone about the great meals and excellent care she received.
Marietta was an animal lover but her preference was cats. Fluffy, Boots, PJ, Snoopy and Princess received her TLC. While living in Scarville, she also adopted the neighbor’s St. Bernard, Sue. Sue hated thunderstorms so resided in our garage many a night. Sue was Mom’s constant companion whenever Mom was outside.
Marietta is survived by her three children, Barb (Brian) Abele of Leland; Rod (Shellene) Norris of Lake Mills and Bill (Sheila) Norris of Huxley; her six grandchildren, Allison (Bob) Greenfield, Sarah (Nick) Kuennen, Anthony Norris, Ashlyn (Jerry) Morse, Joshua Norris and Jessica Norris; along with seven great-grandchildren: Kenlie and Gage Greenfield, Brynn, Carew, Elle and Wren Kuennen, and Everleigh Norris. She is also survived by her brother Eldon Zitterich of Estherville and nieces and nephews.
Marietta was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Merle, Justin, Jeralda and her husband, Merlin (2020).
Blessed be her memory. You can contact the family with on-line condolences at: www.schottfuneralhomes.com