Mary Ellen Letsche
July 9, 1945 ~ January 1, 2025
Mary Ellen Letsche, 79, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at Reck Funeral Home in Miller. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Wessington Cemetery in Wessington, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Wisconsin Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 400 South Executive Drive 109, Brookfield, WI 53005 or online at https://www.cff.org/chapters/wisconsin-chapter
Mary Ellen Letsche, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the Prairie Good Samaritan Center in Miller, South Dakota on January 1, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on July 9, 1945, to Ellen and Philip Gainor in Huron, SD, Mary Ellen brought light, laughter, and love to all who knew her. Mary Ellen grew up in Wessington and graduated from Wessington High School in 1963. She married the love of her life, Dennis Letsche, on June 2, 1963, and moved to Miller, where she spent her entire life. Dennis and Mary Ellen built a family rooted in love and mutual respect.
Before retiring, Mary Ellen worked at Ben Franklin, Tucker Super Value, Dameco, and Dakota Medical. She was known for her warm, generous heart, sass, and quick wit. She loved supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities, including band and sports. Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling with Dennis, camping, fishing, and quilting. A lifelong Elvis fan, she cherished the memories of seeing him perform live twice. Her love for dogs was evident throughout her life, as she cared deeply for each she owned.
Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Dennis Letsche; her children, Phil (Kerrie) Letsche, Troy (Catey) Letsche, and Paula (Kurt) Soderberg; her grandchildren, Brendan (Alyssa) Letsche, Devin (Rachel) Letsche, Kennedy (Ben) Hastings, Will Soderberg, Griffin Soderberg, Jessia Letsche, and Giovanni Letsche; her great-grandchildren, Hattie Letsche and Chloe Letsche; and her beloved dog, Bella.
She was preceded in death by her father, Philip; her mother, Ellen; her stepfather, Chester Sass; her brother, Larry Gainor; and many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mary Ellen Letsche’s life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Prairie Good Samaritan Center for their kindness, professionalism, and service.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mary Ellen's arrangements.
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I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I knew Mary Ellen when I was young and lived near Wessington. I loved her wit and genuine good heart. It was always such a random pleasure to see her over the years.
I had the pleasure of working with Mary Ellen-many years ago at Ben Franklin-what a treasure. I am so sorry for your loss.
I will sure miss this wonderful lady. We had such fun working together at the grocery store! She definitely lit up a room every time she entered it. Prayers for all of her loved ones!
Mary Ellen had the sass and class to pull off bank heist if she chose to do so. Our visits were entertaining, and I would leave with a good feeling in my soul.
My sincere sympathy.
Elaine Cary
Mary Ellen was always a fun mom! I loved her Elvis collection, her outspoken personality (role model for we outspoken girls), and comfort with being her true self. The world was better with Mary Ellen!
My sincere sympathy to the family of Mary Ellen Letsche.
Phil and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family during your time of loss. Treasure the memories.
What a beautiful amazing friend! Great sympathy to the entire Letsche Family
May Mary Ellen RIP.
Our sincere sympathy to the Letsche family. May your good memories and Gods love and grace give you peace. Harlan and Kathy Meier🎼🎶💕
Connie and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Dennis and the Letsche family. What a wonderful lady.
Dennis,Phil,Troy and Paula
Jeff and I have been reminiscing about all our times with Mary Ellen. She certainly was a very special person and Aunt! Our sincere condolences for you all! May God’s love surround you all 🙏🙏🙏
Today would have been my Mom’s 80th birthday and Mary Ellen was one of her most cherished friends. Sending you peace as you celebrate the life and experience the loss of one wonderful lady, one of my childhood icons! I had forgotten about her love of Elvis. I will miss you MEL.
Dennis Troy Phil Paula, My heart hurts for the loss of Mary Ellen. Having you all as neighbors in the past was a blessing for me. Good memories! Not a single bad one. And I consider sweet Paula like one of my own!
So sorry, Mary Ellen will certainly be missed. June loved stopping to visit
Mary Ellen was a wonderfully kind and caring woman. I'm glad she was a part of my life for a sliver of time. Love and prayers to the family.