Marlene Ritzer

Marlene E. (Petrich) Ritzer, age 90, of Stillwater, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025. She was born on June 20, 1935, in Little Falls, MN, to Bill and Elvera (Venske) Petrich. Marlene grew up in Randall and graduated from Little Falls high school. She later married the love of her life, Robert Ritzer, and together they welcomed two wonderful children, Kevin and Kelli.

For over 30 years, Marlene made her mark as an administrative assistant at Ft. Snelling, but anyone who knew her could tell you her true passion was her family. She always attended family sporting events, cheering on her kids and grandkids with enthusiasm. And of course, she was the mom who always had a batch of freshly baked treats ready for the whole team after the game!

Marlene showed incredible strength and compassion when her husband, Bob, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. She devoted herself to his care, standing by him through thick and thin, especially during the more challenging times when he needed her the most. Her loving care allowed him to stay with them for two more precious years until his passing in 2004.

After Bob’s death, Marlene found joy in traveling with family and friends, exploring the country on bus trips, and connecting with anyone she met along the way. She had a knack for striking up conversations with complete strangers, always making new friends wherever she went. Marlene was an avid card player, finding joy in games of Cribbage and Whist.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob”; son-in-law Mike Thomas; her parents William “Bill” and Elvera (Venske) Petrich; siblings Margaret (Robert) Lawrence, William “Gary” Petrich, Donald (Glenda) Petrich, and Robert Petrich; and siblings-in-law Jeanette Petrich, Bill Ritzer, Richard Ritzer, Charlie (Ruth) Ritzer, Joe Ritzer, Larry Ritzer, Mary “Sue” (Frank) Luchsinger, Jerry Lang, and Virginia Ritzer.

She will remain in the hearts of her children, Kevin (Heather) and Kelli Thomas; grandchildren; Zachary, Paige, Alex, Heavin, Jared, Jace, Jordyn, Justin and 5 great grandchildren; brother Gordon Petrich; sisters-in-law Carol Petrich, Nancy Petrich, Florence Ritzer, Rosemary Ritzer, and Marlene Lang; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Marlene's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave N, Stillwater. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service on Friday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.