Mary Catherine Netzer

Mary Catherine Netzer passed away peacefully in her home, on May 9, 2026.

Mary led a beautiful life filled with the power of faith, a warm heart, and a gentle kind spirit.

Her life began as the youngest of 10 siblings, in Jamestown, North Dakota. Being the youngest, she was cherished by her older brothers and sisters who always ensured she was cared for and loved. She was a proud graduate of St. John’s Academy at St. James Basilica in Jamestown and began her professional career as a bookkeeper for Becks Clothing Company. She acquired a second job at the local drive-in movie theater, and it was there, amidst selling popcorn and watching the big screen, that she met her dear husband, Milton Netzer.

The two were wed in 1960, which began their journey of a loving marriage for 65 years. They called each other their sweethearts, and always had a marriage rooted in humor, trust and devotion. Not only a devoted wife, Mary also dedicated her life to raising her five children, Paula, Grant, Kent, Brenda, and Alan. After starting their family in Jamestown, they moved to Ely, Minnesota, in 1971. No matter her location, her greatest pride was her family. Through her years as a mother, she was often spending her time gardening and playing in the backyard, teaching her sons her natural-born baseball skills, and her daughters how to cook, can vegetables, clean and sew.

Mary’s faith guided her through life’s greatest joys and deepest challenges. She practiced her beliefs by serving at St. Anthony’s Church as a catechist, a member of the liturgical commission, and a volunteer on the prayer chain. She spent years delivering Meals on Wheels, serving as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, and mentoring young girls in the Brownies and Girl Scouts. Mary was truly an invaluable member of the Ely Community.

In 1993, Mary started a new chapter as a business partner to her husband Milton. Together, they successfully ran their company, Netzer Insurance Agency which they eventually merged with Mutual Service Insurance (MSI) and Country Insurance. They retired together on December 31, 2005, though they remained active in the community as local rental property owners until 2017.

Mary was dedicated in her work but was also a woman of many hobbies. She found joy planting new flowers and vegetables in her garden, creativity in ceramics classes and craft groups with neighbors, competitive spirit through watching sports games with her children and a deep bonding connection over puzzles and card games like May I and Canasta with friends and family. She was famously spunky, possessing a natural, hilarious sense of humor that could lighten any room. Yet, with all her humor, she was also a gentle listener. She had a rare gift for easing worries and offering advice that was as honest as it was helpful.

Even as she grew older, she maintained a deep, loving connection with the youngest members of the family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, despite the generational gaps. She brought them an immense amount of joy with the smile on her face and encouraging support as they began their lives.

Mary was a warm, gentle spirit who lived to see others happy and felt happiest when surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a faith that never wavered.

Mary is survived by her children: Paula (Daniel) Vogel of Culver, MN; Grant (Pam) Netzer of Ely, MN; Kent (Kim) Netzer of North Branch, MN; Brenda (Randy) Wagner of Andover, SD; and Alan (Suzanne) Netzer of Grand Forks, ND.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Heather (Chris) Johnson and their daughter Kira of Plymouth, MN; Rebecca (Travis) Luczak and their sons Wyatt and Everett of Hermantown, MN; Chantal Netzer (Braden) Palmer) and their daughter Via of Pequot Lake, MN; Nathan (Mariah) Baseman of Ely, MN; Caitlin Netzer of North Branch, MN; Ashley (Tony) Heuer and sons Brayden and Noah of Aberdeen, SD; Eden (Daniel) DiPersio of Hatton, ND; and Grace Netzer (Tanner) of Grand Forks, ND.

Additionally, she leaves behind her sister-in-law, Ruth Tatarek of Superior, WI; siblings-in-law Rev. Abe (Clarice) Reddekopp of Kansas City, MO, Alida Posein and Shirley Netzer, both of Jamestown, ND, and Rev. Dwight (Darcy) Netzer of Grand Forks, ND as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milton H. Netzer; her parents, Joseph and Leona Tatarek; and her siblings, Madeline (Ted) Mayer, Irene Miller, Arnold (Shirley) Tatarek, Roman (Mable) Tatarek, James Tatarek, Raymond (Donna) Tatarek, Edward Tatarek, George (Janice) Tatarek, and Fritz Tatarek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, MN. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Father Charles Friebohle will officiate.

Interment will follow at Ely Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the ceremony.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely, MN.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the St. Mary’s Hospice team, especially Case Manager Joanna Leino. Our family will never forget Jo’s outstanding professionalism, personal care, and loving heart.

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