Mark Alan Fretty

Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, April 4, 1955
Date of Death:
Friday, November 5, 2021
Age:
66 years old

Visitation

Date: Monday November 08, 2021
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Byron Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Tuesday November 09, 2021
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Christ Lutheran Church [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Tuesday November 09, 2021
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Christ Lutheran Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Concord Cemetery

Addional Informantion:

The church will be livestreaming Mark's memorial service.  Please click here a few minutes before the service starts to view it.

Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, April 4, 1955
Date of Death:
Friday, November 5, 2021
Age:
66 years old
Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, April 4, 1955
Date of Death:
Friday, November 5, 2021
Age:
66 years old

Mark Alan Fretty

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, 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.

Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org

Condolences

The family of Mark Alan Fretty has received the following condolences.

Arlene,   


My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.   I remember when I worked with you, all the fun, memories you talked about when all of your family would go camping.  I will keep you in my thought thru youe this  time of loss. Mary Kelly

We are very sorry for your loss! Mark was a great man and was very loved! Praying for you all! Sorry we couldn't be there today. 

Arlene, Heather, Lisa..


I may not be there with you in body but my heart and thoughts are with you. I pray that you can all stay strong for one another and and have no doubt you’ll all always be there for each other when the sorrow gets too heavy to carry alone. Mark was sure a lucky guy to have been blessed with the beautiful women he had in his life.


Mark…family gatherings will never be the same without your silly self being there.  I can already hear people saying, if Mark was here…., or, “remember when Uncle Mark…….” You’re truly going to be missed. Don’t worry about your girls, they’re strong, smart beautiful young women that will continue to bring you pride as they always have.


Rest in Peace brother in law, I’ll sure miss your really stupid jokes. :)

Arlene, Lisa, and Heather,    Our hearts are with all of you at this very very sad time.   CJ and Tyler worshipped the ground Mark walked on.   He was truly one of the centers of their lives.   Please know that each and every one of us are here for any of you for anything today, tomorrow, and the days, weeks, months, years to come.  Prayers for strength and rest coming your way.     Jan & Rocky Daly Family

I am so sad. You are a bright spirit and you will be dearly missed. I loved to hear about your family and your special bond with your grand kids (when you were really one of them, just a little older).  Your heart would light up the world, and still does.  Till we meet again riding our Harleys in Heaven. Rest In Peace my dear friend. ??❤️


Gods Peace, Donna Rosenblad 

He was a good carrier and I liked working with him.

So sorry to see this. Rest in peace. 

 Our hearts go out to Arlene, Lisa and her sons, and Heather and her son.  Mark was so proud of his girls and so in love with Arlene.  He enjoyed so much spending time with the grandsons, they were his pride and joy. We will miss our holidays and other visits with Mark.  He always had a way of making us smile and feel important as extended family. RIP big brother, we were blessed to have you in our lives.  You are going to be missed soooooo much!!!!!. 

 Our hearts go out to Arlene, Lisa and her sons, and Heather and her son.  Mark was so proud of his girls and so in love with Arlene.  He enjoyed so much spending time with the grandsons, they were his pride and joy. We will miss our holidays and other visits with Mark.  He always had a way of making us smile and feel important as extended family. RIP big brother, we were blessed to have you in our lives.  You are going to be missed soooooo much!!!!!. 

So sorry, to hear about Mark - my condolences to all of you.  He was a fun guy!


 


Mona

My prayers are with your family. It seems like such a short time ago that you brought me the book you found that my Father-in-Law’s brother wrote. You will be missed. 

I just saw you at our class reunion and am so sorry you are now gone. Heaven got a special angel, you will be missed.


Gods blessing to your family.


Val

Thoughts and prayers to your family, can’t believe your gone.  Too soon.  I’ll never forget working with you and all “mini” bottles you always shared with your coworkers at the PO.  ??

 Thanks for all the times you helped me, and for all the good times you and I shared.


Rest In Peace my beloved brother.