Mary Ellen Letsche, 79, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at Reck Funeral Home in Miller.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Wessington Cemetery in Wessington, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Wisconsin Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 400 South Executive Drive 109, Brookfield, WI 53005 or online at https://www.cff.org/chapters/wisconsin-chapter

Mary Ellen Letsche, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the Prairie Good Samaritan Center in Miller, South Dakota on January 1, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on July 9, 1945, to Ellen and Philip Gainor in Huron, SD, Mary Ellen brought light, laughter, and love to all who knew her.  Mary Ellen grew up in Wessington and graduated from Wessington High School in 1963. She married the love of her life, Dennis Letsche, on June 2, 1963, and moved to Miller, where she spent her entire life. Dennis and Mary Ellen built a family rooted in love and mutual respect.

Before retiring, Mary Ellen worked at Ben Franklin, Tucker Super Value, Dameco, and Dakota Medical.  She was known for her warm, generous heart, sass, and quick wit. She loved supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities, including band and sports. Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling with Dennis, camping, fishing, and quilting.  A lifelong Elvis fan, she cherished the memories of seeing him perform live twice. Her love for dogs was evident throughout her life, as she cared deeply for each she owned.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Dennis Letsche; her children, Phil (Kerrie) Letsche, Troy (Catey) Letsche, and Paula (Kurt) Soderberg; her grandchildren, Brendan (Alyssa) Letsche, Devin (Rachel) Letsche, Kennedy (Ben) Hastings, Will Soderberg, Griffin Soderberg, Jessia Letsche, and Giovanni Letsche; her great-grandchildren, Hattie Letsche and Chloe Letsche; and her beloved dog, Bella.

She was preceded in death by her father, Philip; her mother, Ellen; her stepfather, Chester Sass; her brother, Larry Gainor; and many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mary Ellen Letsche’s life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Prairie Good Samaritan Center for their kindness, professionalism, and service.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mary Ellen’s arrangements.