Marilee Margaret Reetz

Marilee (Kegel) Reetz was born on November 3,1930, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the second of four children. She died in early January 2024. She grew up in Minnesota and North Dakota and attended Jamestown College, in North Dakota, where she studied nursing. There she met Delbert Reetz, whom she married in 1950. They moved to Colorado, had four children, and later moved to Des Moines, IA. She was a woman of faith, committed to daily devotions and intimate faith journaling, and was a life-long member of the Methodist Church. She was active in many ministries, notably the United Methodist Women and Camp Farthest Out. She loved music from an early age, playing violin in her youth, piano her entire life, singing in choirs, and enjoyed listening to music whenever she could. Marilee finished her education in 1981 with a BA in French and German from Simpson College and loved scripture studies throughout her life. She and her husband became Snowbirds in 1989, later moving to Sun City full time, and to the Royal Oaks community in 2007, which became home, family and personal support until her death. She is survived by her sister, Jaki Jepson, her four children, Deb, Diana (Brad), Donovan (Terri) and Dee (Todd), six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Marilee was anxious to go home and join her Savior, husband, and beloved family and friends. She will be missed by family and friends but they all rejoice she is in heaven. Rest in Peace! A Celebration of Marilee’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on January 19, 2024 at Willowbrook United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to World Vision or a charity of your choice is suggested.