Marietta Alesch

In lieu of gifts and flowers please make donations to the Remsen Fire Department, Flags for Vet-Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars.

Marietta Alesch, age 83 years old, of Remsen, IA, died on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by her family, at her home in Remsen.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen with Rev. Timothy Pick officiating and Deacon Doug Heeren assisting. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Remsen. Visitation with family present will be from 4-6:30 p.m. on Monday. There will be a parish rosary and vigil prayer service at 5 p.m. all at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen. www.fischfh.com

Marietta Margaret Groff was born on November 3, 1941, in Remsen, Iowa the daughter of Roman and Marian (Hagar) Groff. She was raised and educated in Remsen, graduating from Remsen St. Mary’s in 1960.

On May 20, 1961, Marietta married Robert “Bob” Arens at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. The couple had 3 children, Roman, Keith and Lisa. Robert died June 22, 1974.

She married Kenneth G. Alesch, August 24, 1990 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. The couple lived in rural Remsen until 1999 when they moved into town. Kenneth died February 12, 2018.

During her teen years Marietta worked at Ruth's cafe, Dunn’s Cafe and The Vogue Theatre. Later she worked at Mid-Sioux Opportunity from 1979-1990, Remsen Apparel from 1990-1998, R.U. School from 1999-2003 and Hospice of Siouxland from 2003 until 2007 when she retired.

Marietta was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen, Catholic Daughters, Christian Mothers and Guild. She belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters for over 75 years. Marietta was also a member of various other organizations including, Red Hat Society, Octoberfest Publicity, St. Mary’s Parish Centennial Parade, Remsen Centennial Parade and Remsen Welcoming Committee. She was also a Cub Scout Den leader and past president of the Lioness.

Marietta loved traveling the states and overseas, first with her sister, Fae and later on with Kenny. She enjoyed 16 years of winters in Arizona with Kenny, where they made many friends. She also loved her many Iowa friends. She looked forward to Tuesday mornings with the rotating 70’s and 80’s Coffee Club, and happy hour wine tasting at each others homes. She did enjoy a day out shopping but Marietta also enjoyed time in her home cleaning and organizing or just reading a good book. Above all she loved time with her family, especially holidays and birthdays, and summer vacations at Okoboji.

Survivors include: children, Roman Arens (Audrey Navrude) of Remsen, IA, Keith (Denise) Arens of LeMars, IA, and Lisa (Harlan) Oban of Dakota Dunes, SD; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel (Clarice) Groff of Remsen, IA; sisters, Fae Groff-Moritz of Remsen, IA, and Chris Wearth of Tempe A; In laws; Tom (Marlene) Arens of Le Mars, IA, Marlene Pick of Remsen, IA, Jacquie O'Connor of Valley, NE, Kay (Bob) Johnson of Omaha, NE, Claudia Larsen of Omaha, NE, Paul (Jane) Alesch of Lake View, IA; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Marian Groff; husband, Robert Arens and his parents, Martin (Elizabeth) Arens; husband, Kenneth Alesch and his parents, Ray (Mathilda) "Tillie" Alesch; In-laws, Larry Wearth, James Moritz, Paul Pick, Jim O’Connor, Steve Larsen, Betty (Dennis) Moser, Ruth (Ray) Colling, Jeanette (Clarance) Langholt, Anita (Vince) Zimmer, Elaine (George) McKown, Floyd (Betty) Arens, Jim (Lois) Arens, Betty (Dale) Price, Marty (Donna) Arens.

Casket bearers will be Austin Fuller, Josh McCall, Conner Grupe, Rob Arens, Corey Arens, Andy Krohn, Brent Ruden, Scott Paulsen & Christopher Moritz.