Marsha R. Mortel (Meyer)

Marsha R. Mortel (Meyer), age 78, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, following complications from a surgery.

Marsha was born to Lawrence and Elaine Meyer on July 10, 1948, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Her family included her sister Ladean and brother Bruce. Marsha often told stories about the fun the three of them had growing up. They were fortunate to have a large extended family nearby, allowing them to spend time with their local cousins. In the summer, they looked forward to visiting cousins who lived on farms in southwestern Minnesota. In later years, Marsha and her siblings could often be found gathered around the kitchen table, talking for hours, sharing stories, laughter, and the everyday moments of life.

Marsha was a proud member of South St. Paul High School’s Class of 1966. She attended the University of Minnesota on an academic scholarship, where she earned her degree in education. Continuing her passion for learning, she earned a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University. She taught French and Language Arts at Grass Junior High and Henry Sibley High School in West St. Paul for over 30 years. Marsha was also the yearbook advisor for many years and took pride in the award-winning work her students published.

In 1972, Marsha married Chuck, her high school sweetheart and love of her life. They spent the early years of their marriage traveling with Chuck’s men’s hockey team and riding his Harley Davidson. Their children Dana, Sara, and Kory, were Marsha’s pride and joy and she happily chauffeured them to their many activities. She enjoyed hosting parties for family birthdays and holidays and loved to find new recipes for each event. Weekends at the cabin were especially meaningful as multiple generations spent time boating, fishing, playing board games, and doing puzzles. Family trips to Wisconsin Dells and Florida became the source of many treasured memories, thanks to Marsha’s research. Her children still joke that there isn’t a museum in Florida they haven’t visited because of how thoroughly she planned their adventures.

Marsha’s greatest joy in life was spending time doting on her grandchildren. Upon retirement, Marsha devoted years caring for each of her grandchildren. She spent hours reading books with them while snuggling on her rocking chair. She and Chuck loved to attend their grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. They carefully planned their weekends to squeeze as many activities as they could into a day.

Marsha was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Charles, and her parents, Lawrence and Elaine Meyer.

Marsha will be missed by her children, Dana (Jesse) Dvorak, Sara Mortel, and Kory (Heather) Mortel; grandchildren, Cody, Ethan, Brody, Jackson, Lola, Quinn, and Charlie; her siblings, Ladean (Roger) Palodichuk, Bruce (Julie) Meyer; in-laws; many beloved nieces and nephews; treasured extended family and friends.

Evening visitation will be 5-7 PM, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th St. S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. There will be a luncheon at St. Rita’s immediately after the funeral followed by the interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in South St. Paul, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to assist with medical expenses.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nursing staff of 3N/ICU at Woodwinds Hospital. Your attentive, compassionate, and exceptional care brought comfort and support to our mom and to our family. We will always be grateful for your kindness, compassion, and dedication.