Funeral service for Marty Alan Lafrentz, 66, of Willmar, MN will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake, MN beginning at 10:30 a.m. A public visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association in Echo, MN Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday morning at church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery following the funeral service. Upon conclusion of the graveside service a luncheon will be held at church.
Marty Alan Lafrentz was born June 27, 1958 to Arlene (Gabbert) and Milo Lafrentz in Granite Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake, MN. He attended school at St. John’s Parochial and graduated from Granite Falls High School Special Education Program. At a young age Marty was diagnosed with Encephalitis, which brought him to adult life living in many group homes throughout the area. Most of his adult years were spent in Willmar, MN where he made lots of friendships. He worked various jobs mostly at West Central Industries and Kandiyohi Day Activities Center. Marty loved sports and animals from a very young age and continued to follow the Twins, Timberwolves and Vikings throughout his life. In his early years he could tell you anything about Minnesota’s professional sports franchises. This love of sports led to him accumulating an impressive card collection. Marty’s religion and family were the most important things in his life always asking for updates on his relatives before they had a chance to check in on him. He was proud to be an uncle and great-uncle.
Marty died on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the Wabasso Rehab and Care Center.
He is survived by his two sisters Julie Ellingson of St. Paul, MN, Amy (Bruce) Hoepner of Echo, MN; two nieces Laura (Andrew) Zuleger of Redwood Falls, MN, Andrea (Joe) Zieba of Ostego, MN; nephew Eric (Mandy) Ellingson of St. Paul, MN; Great-nephews and nieces Caleb, Jaxon, Henry, Cora and Quinn; uncle Jim Gabbert; aunts Ethel Gabbert and Bernadine Lafrentz. Marty is preceded in death by his parents Milo and Arlene Lafrentz; grandparents Louis and Emilie Gabbert, George and Flora Lafrentz; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John’s kitchen fund.