Mark Fretty, 66, of Byron, MN died Friday November 5, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital.
Mark was born April 4, 1955 in Grand Meadow, MN to Verle and Beverly (Myhre) Fretty. He graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1973 as an accomplished athlete, Homecoming King, and cherished friend of many, In 1974, he married Becky Stejskal, also of Grand Meadow. They later divorced. On December 18, 1987 after several years of friendship he married Arlene (Fitzgerald) Stromback at the Methodist Hospital Chapel in Rochester, MN. The couple moved from Grand Meadow to Byron, MN in December, 1988 where they made their home together for Mark's remaining 33-years.
Mark proudly served in the US Army Berlin Brigade from 1973 to 1975 as an Army Medic. After returning from Germany, he pursued an education in law enforcement while he continued his military service as a reservist until his honorable discharge in 1979. He then began his career with the US Postal Service as a letter carrier dedicating the next 42 years of his life to delivering mail throughout the city of Rochester.
Mark was a history buff who enjoyed war movies and had an amazing knack for trivia. He was an avid collector of Star Wars memorabilia and science fiction books. But nothing filled him with more pride than spending time with his beloved grandsons: taking them camping, swimming, watching their favorite shows, and attending their school and sporting events.
His grandsons won't soon forget the special bond they each shared with him.
He is survived by
his wife of nearly 34-years
, Arlene
, his daughter Heather Fretty of St. Paul, his stepdaughter Lisa (Stromback) Socwell of Rochester, his mother Bev Jacobson
of Grand Meadow
, a brother Joe (Laura Beyer)
Fretty of Grand Meadow
, a sister Mary (Randy) Derry
of Spring Valley, WI
, his
three
grandsons CJ and Tyler Socwell and Myles Fretty. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers/sisters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather,
a
brother, and a nephew.
Visitation will be held on Monday November 8, 2021 from 5-7pm at Byron Funeral Home, Byron, MN. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 11am at Christ Lutheran Church also in Byron with visitation starting at 10am. Burial will take place on May the 4th, 2022 at Concord Cemetery.
