Marie Ruzena Brodrecht, 91, of Presho, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022, at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota. Visitation will be Monday, April 18, 6:00 pm with a 7:00 rosary service, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Presho, SD. Funeral services will be on April 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at Holy Angel Catholic Cemetery, Presho, SD.

On August 20, 1930, Marie was born in Winnebago, Nebraska, to Fred and Marie Vavra. She was the second oldest of 11 children. The kids started school in Nebraska and then moved to the Presho area in the 1930s when Marie was in the third grade, where they made their home north of Presho. Marie graduated from Presho High School in 1949 and attended Summer School at Wessington Springs College to pursue a teaching certificate. Marie taught in the rural schools of Lyman County in the East and West Annin Townships and continued to attend courses and workshops in the summers to achieve her accreditation.

In 1953, Marie met the love of her life, William H. Brodrecht, while teaching. After a brief courtship, they married on December 26, 1953. Shortly after the birth of their first son, Ronald, in July of 1957, Marie decided she needed to quit teaching to focus on family and their newly-established farm and ranch. Their second son, David, was born in December 1959.
Marie was a devout member of the Christ the King Catholic Church, where she was a long-standing member of the Altar Society, holding many offices, including the President, for many years. She taught CCD and made custom baptism garments and veils for many young ladies going through their first communion.

Marie had a recognized talent for sewing and quilting. She appliqued and sewed many quilt tops for her family and church fundraisers. She worked with many groups of talented quilters over the years to finish those tops and see her quilts to fruition. Marie also helped to babysit many youngsters, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and children in the community. She took great pride in her abilities, some of which were cooking, baking, sewing, and gardening. Marie enjoyed spending time with her family, who will be able to share the countless lessons she passed on.

Marie was blessed to spend the last few years with Tami and Al at New Life Boarding Home. She was treated in all aspects with the love and respect of a family member. As we all know, it was not in Marie’s nature to sit and watch others work, so she insisted on helping with daily chores within the facility.

Grateful for sharing her life is her son, Ronald (Betsy), Melissa (Joe) Slaba, Marchelle (Tyrel) Carson, Grady (Caitlin) Brodrecht, Blake, Lane, Rozin, Teelan, Quincey and Luke, all of Presho; daughter-in-law Glenda Brodrecht, Shawna (Justin) Kaiser Winner; Glen (Meggan) Brodrecht Presho; Emmarie, Ellison, Mataya and Jay and Laina’s daughter Paiton; siblings Yvonne Ehlers, Alva Johnson, Kathryn Eichstadt, Lyle (Lorraine) Vavra, sister-in-law MaryAnne (Virgil) Schoefelder, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband William (Bill), her son, David, granddaughter Laina Barton, her parents Fred and Marie Vavra, siblings Sam (Sonny), Ben, Richard, Ilo, Lowell, and Loretta.

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