MARION
LIPETZKY
05/11/1929 -
12/19/2025
Marion G. "Mary" Lipetzky, 96, of Redwood Falls went to our heavenly father on December 19, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial was 10 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation was held at 4 - 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with prayer service at 3:30 p.m. at Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls. Visitation continued one hour prior to her service at the church. Livestream broadcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@LOWAFC /streams. Burial will be at a later date.
The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Services of Redwood Falls and Morgan was in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via
www.nelson-hillestad.com.
Mary was born on May 11, 1929, to Frank and Clara (Kielen) Wagner. She was the second oldest of five siblings. From her birth in New Ulm to her death, Mary nourished family and the many people around her with her love, compassion, and faith.
Mary attended St. Andrews Elementary Catholic school in Fairfax, and graduated from Fairfax High School. After graduating, she married her soulmate Jerome (Jerry) Lipetzky on September 22, 1947. They were married for 68 years and during their marriage they loved to dance, roller-skate, ice skate, bowl, and play cards. From this union she and Jerry were blessed with 12 wonderful children. They spent 34 years farming and raising their children on the family farm outside of Clements before retiring and moving into Springfield. Mary has lived in Redwood Falls for the past nine years upon entering River Valley Health a year ago.
Mary loved gardening and had many beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens, where she taught her children the art of canning and freezing produce. She relished her role as a wife and mother to her children.
Mary was also very active in 4-H growing up, where she learned to perfection how to cook and sew. That is most likely why, when you walk through the doors of Mary's house, you could always find a homecooked meal, homemade breads, many, many sweets, and neighborhood women laughing and sipping coffee. Mary belonged to the Red Hat ladies and legion auxiliary (both Clements and Springfield) as a gold star mother. She was also active in the choir at St. Joseph's Church in Clements.
Mary worked many years in retail, where she always had a smile on her face and special knack for making friends and helping people. Her calling was to love her family and the people around her, and that she did.
Mary loved sewing, making scrubbies, potholders, ceramics, and several crafts; all of which were gifted to her grandchildren, who treasure her beautiful handy work. In fact, there is not a kitchen in the family that isn't adorned with her embroidered dishtowels and seasonal hand painted ceramics!
Mary was never afraid to lift a glass to make a toast for family celebrations and good times which were many. She lived simply and she lived with zest. For those who knew her, they knew she cared for them deeply.
Mary is survived by 10 children, daughters Jean Weber, Ceil Rivard, Carol Lipetzky, Diane Wells, Katie (Pat) Kelly; sons, David (Judy), Steve (Dianne), Tim (Hyon), Bill (Donna), Jim (Tammy); brother Carl (Eloise) Wagner; 33 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerome, sons Daniel and Michael, son-in-law Steve Rivard, granddaughter Jennifer Lipetzky, great-grandson Christopher Lipetzky, sisters Lou Ella Persons, Alice Wagner and brother John Wagner, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Blessed be her memory.
Published by Redwood Falls Gazette from Dec. 23, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026.