Marietta Jean Heller

Marietta Jean Heller, 93, was called home to heaven on October 17, 2021. As a believer in the Lord Jesus she was given the promise of sins forgiven and life everlasting. Interment will be at the Marengo Cemetery. A 2:00 p.m. Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo, on Saturday, October 23, 2021 with Rev. Dr. Wilfred Karsten and Rev. Andrew Gray officiating. The family kindly asks that those attending wear masks. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Marietta was a lifelong resident of Marengo where she was born at home on August 6, 1928, the daughter of Carl and Lydia (Luetkeman) Seckel. She was also a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was baptized on March 10, 1929 by Rev. Heilmann and confirmed on April 26, 1942 by Rev. Rottmann at the old church on Hilton Street. She graduated from Marengo High School in 1946 with a Normal Training Certificate which allowed her to teach for two years at Honey Creek #4 rural school. She renewed her certificate at Coe College during the summer and continued teaching for three more years at Oak Grove School south of Marengo.

On June 24, 1948 Marietta married Wesley Heller in a double wedding ceremony with her sister and brother-in-law Bonnie Lou and Robert Pierson at St. John’s. Rev. Spitz officiated. Marietta assisted her parents in the operation of Iowa County’s first nursing home. The residents enjoyed watching Wes and Mary’s children Steve and Lynette as they grew. Marietta and her husband operated Heller Oil Company for 31 years. She attended Coe College from 1976-1981. Upon graduation she found fulfilling work at the University of Iowa for 15 years with Preventive Medicine and the Iowa Birth Defects Registry.

Marietta was active at St. John’s, teaching Sunday school, VBS, and Midweek; involved with choir, Christian Couples Club, and altar guild and evangelism committees. During her time as public relations director she organized the first confirmation reunions and a trip to the LCMS Seminary and International Center in St. Louis, including Perry County, Missouri. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was very important to her and she eagerly attended services at St. John’s each week where, as her confirmation verse instructed, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28) Faith and family were her primary focus. In addition to being a homemaker, Marietta enjoyed attending the activities of her children and grandchildren and the many hours she spent with them. She looked forward to having her family gather at their home on the hill. Mary and Wes were active in scouting. They enjoyed western family vacations, including Philmont Scout Ranch, trips to Hawaii and the Caribbean, a church-sponsored trip to Europe, and visiting her daughter and family in Accident, Maryland. Marietta could often be seen biking, walking, or working with her flowers.

Marietta is survived by her daughter Lynette (Wilfred) Karsten of Moline, IL; grandchildren Anna (Brian) Albrecht, Rachel (Matthew) Gerhardt, Blake and Lisa Heller; great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and brother-in-law Frank Heller. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in August 2016; son Steve in September 2016; two great-grandchildren; sister and husband, Bonnie and Bob Pierson; and nephew Jim Pierson.

Marietta was grateful for all the help Lynette and Willie gave her, making it possible for her to stay at home. She also appreciated the thoughtfulness and care given by Debbie, Connie, Rick, and Essence of Life Hospice.