Marcella Leonharda Sowieja

MARCELLA LEONHARDA SOWIEJA
Marcella Sowieja, 84, went into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on August 4, 2014, while comforted by family, at Fieldcrest Nursing Home in Hayfield where she had been a resident since June, 2014. On August 9, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. her wonderful spirit and joy will be celebrated with a Mass service at St. John Baptist Catholic Church 20 ~ 2nd Street NE with Father Gregory Parrott celebrating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center.

Marcella Leonharda Anderson was born February 23, 1930, at home in Ellington Township, the only daughter of Alfred and Leonharda Anderson. She grew up on the family farm, attended West Concord schools and after graduating went on to receive her teacher’s certificate from Mankato State College. She found great joy teaching grades K-8 in a West Concord country school until she was united in marriage to Lawrence Sowieja on March 10, 1951, celebrating 63 years of marriage in March, 2014. Following their marriage the couple moved to Atlanta, Georgia until Lawrence finished his stint with the U.S. Army. From there, on to San Luis Obispo, California until the couple was called back home to Minnesota in 1954 to care for ill parents. They made the decision to plant stakes in Dodge Center and raise their family.

Marcella worked as a homemaker, however her primary career was as a Realtor for 21 years, ending her career as a top producer with Coldwell Banker. Outside of being a homemaker, Marcella served as a 4-H and girl scout leader, and was an active member of the St. John Baptist Catholic Church ladies auxiliary for 60 years.

She loved playing cards, reading, baking, cooking and entertaining. Marcella loved spending time with family and friends and her special joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marcella is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence of Dodge Center, MN, son, Mark Sowieja, Owatonna, MN; daughter, Ann Sowieja, Plano, TX; two grandchildren, Tim Sowieja and wife Jody, Maple Grove, MN; Kim Medill and husband Tabe, Allen, TX; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler Szala; George Medill; Elle and Mady Sowieja.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jane; her parents Alfred and Leonharda Anderson, two brothers, Gordon and Alvin Anderson.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2014, at Czaplewski Funeral Home, 25 South Street SW, Dodge Center, MN.

Blessed be her memory.