MaryLynn Portz

MaryLynn Elizabeth Portz was born to Adrian Henry and Irma Theresa (Pottebaum) Dreckman on February 8, 1946 in Le Mars, Iowa where she was baptized. She was raised in the area by Struble, Iowa until 1952 when she moved with her parents to Ruthton, Minnesota. While living in Ruthton, she was confirmed at St. Martin Catholic Church in Woodstock, Minnesota. She attended school in Ruthton and graduated from Ruthton High School in 1964. On September 5, 1964, she married Lyle Portz at St. Martin Catholic Church. Following their marriage, they traveled to Tacoma, Washington where Lyle was stationed at Fort Lewis. In November 1965, they moved back to the Woodstock area. While living there, MaryLynn worked at Bayliner, St. Leo Catholic Church, Good Samaritan Nursing Home, and then Wilson Clothing in Pipestone. MaryLynn lead water aerobics for many years at the Pipestone Rec Center up until entering the hospital. 

MaryLynn was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church where she was active in the Council of Catholic Women, serving as the local president, the area international chairman, and the secretary for the Diocesan level. She was a member of the Michael Boock American Legion Post 6 Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Lions Club and served as their president, secretary, and hearing foundation chairman at the district level for six years. For many years, she volunteered as the coordinator for the local Red Cross blood drive. She loved to bake, crochet hats and lap blankets for needy children and belonged to the local prayer shawl group, the Peace Quilters and Prayer Shawl Ministries. Sewing was of much interest and she put together many quilts for her church to donate to charitable organizations. She also sewed diapers and sundresses for the children in Haiti. MaryLynn passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Avera McKennan Prairie Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 79 years, three months, and six days.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Lyle Portz of Pipestone, Minnesota; three children, Jeffrey (Jacque) Portz of Fairmont, Minnesota, Julie (Jeffrey) Amdahl of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Jay (Kris) Portz of St. Cloud, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Justin (Danielle) and Jacob Portz, Jenner, Jenessa (Zack) and Jenson (Karissa) Amdahl, and Alexie and Nicholas Portz; three great-grandchildren, Owen and Elyette Portz and Jerrick Amdahl; and seven siblings, Joyce (Lauren) Meyer of Lucan, Minnesota, Shirley (Loren) Fick of Luverne, Minnesota, John (Bonnie) Dreckman of Balaton, Minnesota, Stanley (Donna) Dreckman of West Fargo, North Dakota, Roger (Lisa) Dreckman of Post Falls, Idaho, Bonnie Dreckman of Post Falls, Idaho, and Richard (Arlene) Dreckman of Luverne, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Irma Dreckman; and her grandparents, John and Susan Pottebaum.

Memorial are preferred and may be directed to:

Knights of Columbus of the St. Leo Catholic Church

     415 S. Hiawatha Ave, Pipestone, Minnesota, 56164

OR

Peace Quilters & Prayer Shawl Ministries 

     500 7th St. SE, Pipestone, Minnesota, 56164