Her Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, April 13, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Williston. The Rev. Dennis Schafer will officiate and interment will follow at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the Alexander Cemetery.
A family service open to family and friends is Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Everson Memorial Chapel, Williston.
Agnes Carolyn Pesek was born on the Pesek farm near Alexander on June 9, 1922, to James and Annie (Novak) Pesek. Her older brother, Emil, rode three miles on horseback to bring local Dr. Rogers to assist with her birth.
Agnes was baptized and confirmed at the Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, Alexander. She attended local public schools and graduated from Alexander High School in 1941. She received a teaching certificate from Minot State Teachers’ College. Agnes married Vincent Rettig on April 3, 1945, in Alexander. Vince often told friends and neighbors he thought he married a wage-earning school teacher, but she soon quit and became his farming partner and the mother of their six children.
Vince and Agnes made their home on their farm near Alexander until health issues led to the decision to move them in May 2006 to an assisted-living facility in Williston, where they thrived. The family remains forever grateful for the loving care and wonderful friendships Agnes received at Bethel Home and the Kensington, where her husband Vince continues to reside.
In 1958, Vince and Agnes were voted the Outstanding Young Farmers of North Dakota. As part of their expense-paid trip to Indianapolis, Agnes had the exciting honor of being among the very first women ever allowed on the Indy 500 racetrack.
Grandma always enjoyed being surrounded by grandchildren of all ages. She always had a candy drawer full, fried chicken ready to be cooked, cupcakes full of frosting and homemade oatmeal on the stove. At any time you could drop by and get a full-course meal in no time. The more people at her table, the happier she was.
Although forever busy, Agnes always found time to embrace guests and help her neighbors with their projects. If you had car trouble and stopped to use her phone, you’d likely leave with a jar of homemade jelly and a full tummy.
Agnes was a 4-H leader, an active member of the altar society and especially enjoyed visiting during her birthday club luncheons. She was an accomplished seamstress who loved canning, gardening and tending her flowers.
She made and sold dozens of stuffed teddy bears at local craft fairs. Crocheted projects and knit dish cloths were her trademark.
She was well known for the homemade fudge and divinity that she sold for extra income. Until arthritis in her hands prevented it, she baked, decorated and sold spectacular wedding cakes. Wheel-chair bound for the past five years, she accepted her mobility limitations with determination and grace. (She was the sweetest and strongest grandma you ever will meet!)
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She was a very special “Grandma Aggie” to 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She will be greatly missed by Vince, her husband of 64 years, and their six children, Jim (Linda) Big Sandy, Mont., Mary, Missoula, Bob, Alexander, Ed (Mary) Alexander, Kim (Greg DeLorme) Williston and Pam, Bismarck and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special to “Grandma Aggie” were her 12 grandchildren, Jim’s children, Shawn (Tiffany) and Shannon (Dean) Rhyneer, Bob’s children, Kayla and Heidi, Ed’s children, Ellie (Garry) Papineau, Melissa (Monte) Viall, Travis (Missy) and Amanda and fiance (Jerod Overby) and Kim’s children, Jason (Sarah), Alecia, Scott and Michael.
“Grandma Aggie” was further blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, Caden and Tylynn Rettig, Tevin, Devin and Tahya Papineau, Brady, Britne and Brock Viall, Matthew and Nathan Rettig, Peyton Overby, Kallon DeLorme and one great-great grandchild, Riley (Nathan Rettig).
Agnes was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was loved by many! She enjoyed a long and happy life and will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Agnes was preceeded in death by her parents, James and Annie Novak Pesek; her two brothers, Emil and James Pesek and her four sisters, Ella Mrachek, Blanche Rhoades, Mary Nordmarken and Emma Paulson.
Friends may visit the Everson Web site at www.eversonfh.com to share thoughts and remembrances of Agnes.
Friends may call at the Everson Funeral Home of Williston Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday from 1-5 p.m. and Monday at the church for the hour preceding the funeral.
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