Obituary: Grace A. Maertz

Grace A. Maertz, age 96, formerly of rural Reedsville, currently of Plover, passed away early Thursday morning, December 22, 2022 at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids.

Grace was born on September 19, 1926, daughter of the late Charles and Carmen (Miller) Brodtke. On June 3, 1945 she married Leonard F. Maertz at St. John St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville. He preceded her in death on January 18, 1982. A couple of years later, Grace reconnected and found companionship again with Arthur “Art” Zipperer. They enjoyed many years together as special friends. Grace will be remembered for her love and unending hospitality. Grace worked very hard as a farmers’ wife, milking cows and working the land. She loved fruit and vegetable gardening, tending to her numerous flower beds, cooking, and baking. She canned and preserved her bountiful harvests each year, especially her pickles, and shared everything with family and friends. Grace also enjoyed playing cards, and when she couldn’t find any sheepshead players, she learned how to play KingsKorners with family. Grace was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside and was very active in the Ladies Aide.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law: Wayne (Shelly) Maertz, Reedsville; one daughter and son-in-law: Joan (Bob) Schultz, Stevens Point; grandchildren: Lucrecia (Dusty) Calderon, Shannon Corbell, Jennifer (Tony) Meshak, Andrew (Stephanie) Maertz, and Timothy (Marissa) Maertz; great-grandchildren: Dawson (Kate) Calderon, Wyatt Calderon, Lilian Grace Calderon, Adaley Maertz, Tucker Maertz, Cecilia Maertz, Jack Meshak, and Chloe Meshak; great-great granddaughter: Honey Faye Calderon; and one sister-in-law Margaret Brodtke, Art’s children: Carol (Dan) Brandl, Mary (Greg) Larson, and Mark (Tammy) Zipperer, and lots of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles & Carmen Brodtke, her husband, Leonard, special friend, Art Zipperer, one brother, Russell Brodtke, one sister and brother-in-law: Ruth and Oliver Christopherson, and an infant sister: Clara. She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Lenora Maertz, and two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: Ruth (Hugo) Keinetz, and Hubert (Ruth) Maertz.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside. Officiating will be Rev. Kyle Wangelin and Rev. Steven Hulke. Burial will be at Kasson Evergreen Cemetery, town of Maple Grove. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be made at www.pielhopwieting.comThe family expresses its sincere appreciation for the many prayers and remembrances in their time of sorrow. A special word of gratitude to Pastor Steven Hulke of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stevens Point and Pastor Kyle Waenglyn of Wayside Zion Lutheran for their ministry. Sincere gratitude to the staff at "The Lodge" and to Director, Amanda of ArborView and her staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated. The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.