Marietta Kiechel

Marietta Anna Emma Rohrs, daughter of Henry William and Anna Frieda (Bohling) Rohrs, was born July 28, 1923 on the family farm near Johnson, Nebraska. She was baptized August 19, 1923 by Pastor Streng and confirmed April 15, 1938 by pastor B.C. Wiebke, both at St. Paul Lutheran (Hickory Grove) Church near Auburn, Nebraska. Marietta received her education at Johnson Public Schools, graduating in 1940.

On December 18, 1941 Marietta was united in marriage to Don L Kiechel at Hickory Grove Church. They were blessed with one daughter, Kay Marie. Mary and Don lived most of their married life on the farm where she was born.

In addition to the duties of running a household, Mary farmed side by side with her husband of 68 years, Don. They received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Family Award, signifying family ownership of the farm for 100 years or more.

In 1942 Marietta became a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson. She held various offices in the Women of the Church, and had served as financial secretary for the church. She helped with Sunday School and Summer Bible School, and enjoyed working on quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Marietta enjoyed any activity that included family and friends, especially traveling, golfing, dancing, playing cards. She was an avid Kansas City Royals fan, seldom missing a game on television. Mary dearly loved her family, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.

Following the discovery of a life-threatening disease, Marietta enjoyed the loving care of her daughter and son-in-law Kay and Michael, as well as other family and friends. Her last days on Earth were filled with meaningful time spent with loved ones. Marietta passed away at her home in Auburn on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 25 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Ella Reece; brothers Arthur, Alvin, and Henry; sister-in-law Betty Babcock; brothers-in-law Carrol Reece, Alvin Schmidt, and Leon Babcock.

Marietta is survived by her husband Don; daughter Kay Marie and husband Michael White; grandson Chris Van Cleave and Janelle Klingensmith; great-grandsons Bodie and Caden Van Cleave; step-granddaughter Rozlyn Hoesing and husband Brian; step-great-grandchildren Brodie and Landry Hoesing; sisters Ruby Schmidt, Hazel Knippelmeyer and husband Gene; sisters-in-law Della Rohrs, Anna Ramroth and husband William; special friends Jim and Mavis Green; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson. Burial will follow at St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn Monday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or family choice.