YANKTON, SD – Marlene M. Rittel, 102, of Yankton, formerly of Huron and Highmore, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 21, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, Highmore, with Rev. Allison Galbreath officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Highmore Cemetery.

Marlene Maleta Beuchler was born to Wilhelm and Paulina (Heckenlaible) Beuchler in Virgil. She was one of seven children: Oscar, Hilda, William, Martha, Virginia, and Lenora. Both of her parents preceded her in death in the 1930s. At the age of 14, Marlene moved into the home of her brother, William, and attended Wolsey School. Marlene attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wolsey and was baptized and confirmed in 1938.

Marlene met Orvin Rittel through a mutual friend in Huron and became instant soulmates. On April 1, 1945, they married and built a life together on the family farm in Highmore.

Marlene had a true passion for baking and gardening, always sharing her homemade treats and vibrant flowers with everyone she met.

In 1966, Marlene and Orvin adopted their son, Gary, and in 1969, they adopted their daughter, Sharon. After Orvin’s passing in August of 1976, Marlene and her children moved to Huron, where they stayed until Gary graduated high school in 1984.

In 2007, Marlene moved to Yankton with her son for his job. While in Yankton, Marlene enjoyed tending to her garden, cooking, spending time with her great-grandchildren, and baking her famous chocolate chip cookies.

Marlene is survived by her son, Gary Rittel of Yankton; grandchildren, Dallas Rittel of Billings, Mont., and Christopher (Amanda) Rittel of Gayville; eight great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orvin; her daughter, Sharon Kay Waldner; and her siblings.

Marlene will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering love for her family, and the warmth she brought into every home she entered.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Marlene’s arrangements.

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