Marietta Bernadine Bellingtier

Marietta Bernadine Bellingtier, a cherished member of the Fort Dodge community, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 84. Surrounded by her loving family, Marietta's departure marks the close of a life defined by kindness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those she held dear.

Born Marietta Bernadine Schmitz on August 9, 1941, in Portsmouth, Iowa, she was raised and educated in Panama, Iowa. A proud graduate of St. Mary's High School class of 1959, Marietta furthered her education by attending Mercy Hospital Radiology Training, where she graduated in 1961. Her professional journey was marked by an impressive 41 years of compassionate care and commitment to her patients in the Radiology-Mammography Department at Trinity Regional Hospital, from which she retired in 2002.

In 1963, Marietta united in marriage with Albert Bellingtier, embarking on a lifelong partnership grounded in love and mutual respect. Together they made their home in Fort Dodge and nurtured a family that reflected her values. Known affectionately to her family as "Boog," Marietta was a woman of gentle spirit and kindness. She found joy in simple pleasures such as watching "The Price is Right," "Wheel of Fortune," and Grit television, and she and Al faithfully watched Mass daily on the EWTN network. Her love extended to reading, playing cards, and cherished summers spent at the cabin-a testament to her zest for life and deep appreciation for family traditions.

Marietta's vibrant life extended beyond her home and career into her active participation in her faith and community. She was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where her spiritual life flourished. Her commitment to service was evident in her involvement with the Monican Mothers, Catholic Daughters of America, and the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary 213.

Her legacy is warmly preserved by her husband of 63 years, Albert of Fort Dodge; their children Douglas (Deborah) Bellingtier of Fort Dodge, Anna (Dale) Mesman of Emery, South Dakota, Mary (Daniel) Vrieze of Eyota, Minnesota, and Matthew (Jennifer) Bellingtier of Jena, Germany; and her grandchildren Joseph (Shayna) Bellingtier, Zachery Bellingtier, Caitlin (Joshua Stoneberg) Bellingtier, Mercedes Mesman, Davis Bellingtier, and Kirby Bellingtier. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Elle Bellingtier and Waylon Bellingtier. Marietta's family circle is further enriched by her sisters Marleen Nabity of Stockton, Missouri; Kathleen Leinen of Panora; Elizabeth Doyle of Council Bluffs; Therese Ratigan of Council Bluffs; and her brothers Robert (Susan) Schmitz of Panama and Michael (Vickie) Schmitz of Defiance.

Marietta was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph and Laurina (Stracke) Schmitz, and by brothers-in-law Lewis Nabity, Orville Leinen, Robert Doyle, and Michael Ratigan.

Her kindness, devotion, and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Marietta's life serves as a beacon of enduring love and faith, inspiring those who follow in her footsteps to embody the same sincerity and compassion she so naturally gave.

Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to honor and celebrate Marietta's remarkable life through several services. A Rosary will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, beginning at 3:45 p.m. at Laufersweiler Funeral Home, 307 S 12th St, Fort Dodge, Iowa. This will be followed by visitation from 4:15 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The celebration of Marietta's life will continue with visitation at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2501 6th Ave North, Fort Dodge, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 9:15 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., with a Funeral Mass commencing at 10:30 a.m.

As we remember Marietta Bernadine Bellingtier, we hold close her inspiring life of service and love, cherishing the memory of a truly remarkable woman whose spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and community.

Memorials may be left to the American Heart Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.