MARIE LORRAINE MOTL, age 86, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Worthington, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 29, 2016 at her home. She was the third daughter born to Albert and Alvina (Herman) Kalis. Marie grew up on the family farm in Walters, MN with eight brothers and sisters. She graduated from Kiester High School in 1947 and continued her education at Wells Normal Teacher Training, earning her teaching degree. She taught grades 1-8 in a country school in the Wells area.
Marie married Donald Motl, the love of her life, on March 27, 1951 at Easton, MN. Don and Marie farmed in the Wells area before buying the Coast to Coast Store, in Worthington, in 1960. They worked side by side and with their six children building a very successful hardware business, before retiring in 2003. After retiring, Don and Marie spent much time traveling, including several cruises, cross country road trips, fishing and golf vacations. They spent many years wintering in Mesa, Arizona and enjoying retirement with Minnesota friends as well as  friends they made in Arizona. Marie enjoyed swimming, bird watching, sewing, quilting, baking and golfing with her family.
She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the WCCW. Marie was a woman of strong faith which she shared with her husband and children. After Don's death in 2010, Marie moved to Kingsway Retirement Living, in Belle Plaine, to be near family. She made many new friendships among the residents and staff at Kingsway.
Marie is survived by her five children, Kathleen (Barry) Ramey, LeSueur; Rick (Connie) Zephyrhills, FL; Jeanne (Robert) Van Drasek, Albertville; Jo (Peter) Lepse, Topeka, KS; and Jim Motl, Maumelle, AR; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; four sisters, Margaret Ward, Mapleton; Bernice Monson, Alden; Lorraine (Don) Schroeder, Mishawaka, IN; and Pat (Tom) Arett, Chesterfield, MO; three brothers, David (Pat) Kalis, Albert Lea; Albert (Sharon) Kalis, Montgomery; and Mike (Georgia) Kalis, Albert Lea; and  many nieces, nephews and friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don, on July 10, 2010; a son, Robert (Bob) in  2005, and sister, Helen  Flattum in 2015.
Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday, with parish prayers at 7:30 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Worthington, officiated by Fr. James Callahan. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery in Worthington.
To view an online obituary or order flowers, please visit dingmannandsons.com

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