Marie A. Gette

Marie Anna Gette, 88 of Devils Lake, ND formerly of Starkweather, ND died early Wednesday morning, September 17, 2008 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Mass of Christian Burial for Marie will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Tony Hession will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in Assumption of Mary Catholic Cemetery, Starkweather, ND. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Catholic Daughters. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Marie will be her grandsons, Chad Hofstad, Andrew Haaven and David Gette and sons-in-law, Curt Hofstad, Larry Haaven and David Polovitz. Reading the Sacred Scriptures will be her son, Robert Gette and daughter, Janel Ryan. Gift Bearers will be grand children, Cody Gette and Megan Gette Music will be provided by John Frelich and Lynne Webster, vocalists and Audrey Myklebust, organist. Marie Anna was born on May 11, 1920 in Freshwater Township, Ramsey County, rural Webster, ND, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Schafer) Ziegler. At a young age she moved with her family to the Crary area where she was raised and educated, attending the Consolidated School in Noonan Township. Marie was united in marriage to Malior “Mal” Gette on September 17, 1940 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Crary, ND. They established their home on a farm in the Hampden/Starkweather area where they lived, worked and raised their family. In 1979, they retired and moved into Starkweather and in 2002 into Devils Lake. While living in Starkweather, she was a member of Assumption of Mary Catholic Church and Altar Society and after moving to Devils Lake belonged to St. Joseph Catholic Church and Altar Society. Marie was also a member of Catholic Daughters of America. You will not find in Marie’s obituary a litany of educational accomplishments, her leadership role in organizations or her rise to executive roles in companies or businesses. Her accomplishments were of a much nobler level. She brought 15 children into this world and proudly watched their educational achievements, and followed with enormous pride as they achieved success within their careers. In that ordinary role as mother and nurturer she has had an extraordinary life and left an indelible legacy of love, kindness and a sense of unselfish devotion to all her children. Marie’s life was centered on her family. She loved to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the happiest when holding a baby in her lap. Her love of gardening and cooking remained with her throughout her lifetime. Marie cherished her sisters, her dear friends and mostly her life with her husband. She passed away on their 68th wedding anniversary. Her strong faith and sense of humor were characteristics admired and loved by everyone that knew her. Marie is survived by her loving children: Robert Gette (Mary) of Wahpeton, ND Janel Ryan (Mike) of Farmington, NM Larry Gette (Diane) of Fergus Falls, MN Annette Hofstad (Curt) of Devils Lake, ND Timothy Gette (Laurel) of Sioux Falls, SD Allen Gette of Rogers, AR Claudia Haaven (Larry) of Hannah, ND Tony Gette of Santa Barbara, CA Randy Gette (Sandy) of Lee’s Summit, MO Mel Gette (Gayle) of Devils Lake, ND Lauri Sweitzer (Tom) of Middleburg, VA Bernie Polovitz (David) of Medina, MN Jerry Gette of Sioux Falls, SD Daughter-in-law, Alice Gette of Castle Rock, CO Thirty Eight Grandchildren Eleven Great Grandchildren Sisters: Lena Frith of Devils Lake, ND and Helen Hanson (Bob) of Grand Forks, ND Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mal; sons, Daniel Gette and Rodney Gette; brothers, Joe, George, John, Jake and Edward Ziegler in infancy; sisters, Eugena Busby, Delores Ziegler, Eva Senger and Catherine Kraft Engelhart.