With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Marcella M. Bartmann of Marion, SD.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of her story.
Marcella held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
A life of belief is a life of quiet conversation with something larger.
Marcella M. Bartmann, 102, of Montrose passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, SD. Funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Montrose, SD. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm with a 6 pm prayer service on Sunday, May 10, 2026, also at the church.
Marcella Wingen was born January 16, 1924, in Canova, SD to Henry and Louise (Stoffel) Wingen. She grew up in the Canova area and on August 4, 1943, she married Joseph Bartmann. She lived with Rose and Anton Bartmann while Joe was serving in WWII and stayed on the farm south of Montrose until moving to Tieszen Memorial Home in 2024.
Mom was a member of St Patrick's Catholic Church. Her church and faith were very important to her. She was a member of St Patrick's Choir, served as a Communion Minister, Altar Society and taught CCD in the church for many years. She was a member of the Montrose Legion Auxiliary and recently celebrated 80 years as a member.
Mom had unconditional love for her family. Her family was very important to her. She was very dedicated to them and always had homemade cookies in her freezer for the grandkids. She loved her children and grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits. She was also very strong in her faith and practiced faithfully her entire life.
Mom was an avid gardener in her early years growing all her own vegetables, canning and freezing her harvests as well as making homemade jams. She was the best pie maker and always said she'd rather make a pie than a cake because it was easier. She made any kind of pie one could imagine. She was also very resourceful, not letting anything go to waste. Marcella rarely had a recipe, but her cooking style and flavor were always a hit with her family. She was a fantastic bread maker as well. The cupboard and cabinets were always full of fresh baked buns which the family looked forward to. She cooked many meals for those working on the farm and her grandchildren throughout the years. Mom was asked what she did to live this long. Number one was her faith, second; her family, third; hard work, fourth; good home cooked meals.
Marcella is survived by: her children, Vince of Mitchell, Mike (Marlys) of Canistota, Pat (Kelly) of Canistota, Mary Ann (Carl) Ribbing of Longmont, CO, Nancy (Robert) Herman of Montrose and Donna (Keith) Uthe of Madison, SD; daughter-in-law, Barb Bartmann of Montrose; a close family member, Cliff Hallem (Lory) of Montrose; brother, Ray (Lenice) Wingen of Montrose; sisters, Carol Hansen of Canistota and Mae Frier of Sioux Falls. 23 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph, son, Duane, daughter, Jeanne, brothers; Lawrence and Lloyd, sisters; Evelyn DeBates, Florence Stroud, Lavonne Garry, Dorothy Townsend and Henrietta Jensen.
Marcella's family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Tieszen Memorial Home for their loving care and support throughout her stay there. She often spoke fondly of the visits she had with the staff. Please know you made a difference in her time there and we appreciate you.
