Marcella Claire Dotzler - Rivers

 Marcella C. “Marcie” Rivers, 90, died April 2, 2026 at Country Manor in Sartell, MN. She was born March 16, 1936 in Aitkin, MN the daughter of Alfred Peter and Margaret Eleanor (Tully) Cartie.

She graduated from Aitkin High School in 1954 and just until a few years ago would meet many of her remaining classmates for lunch every summer. During high school she was a basketball and football cheerleader which may explain her love of watching football. She was also very proud of the fact that she was a Dairy Princess, just before Princess Kay was established.

After graduating, Marcie stayed in Aitkin where she lived most of her life. She met Benedict Dotzler at the roller rink one night when she was out with friends and they were married in 1956. Together they had four children and had been married almost 23 years before Ben’s sudden death in 1979. She later met and married James Bruns and then Clayton “Chuck” Rivers.

Marcie worked for many years at the REA and later for Dr. Robert Orazem as a receptionist and optometric assistant and First National Bank as a teller. She loved helping people, so these were a great fit for her. After retiring, she moved to Foley, MN and wintered in Apache Junction, AZ.

Marcie’s hobbies were many. She enjoyed golf, crafts, and games of all kinds. She was particularly lucky at Bingo. The family was often playing a card or board game of some kind at every gathering. She enjoyed sewing and was quite proficient at crocheting making beautifully detailed snowflakes and doilies.

Marcie loved everyone and everyone loved her. She always had a smile for those she came in contact with. She will be dearly missed.

Marcie is survived by her Children and their spouses: Jean Dotzler (Geoff Partridge), Kirt (Judy) Dotzler, Nancy (Todd) Tagtmeier, Charles (Janet) Dotzler; Grandchildren: Angela Dotzler, Susan Dotzler, Alexander Tagtmeier (Becky Lenz), Kaitlyn (Brett) McGregor, Steven (Megan) Dotzler, Sarah Dotzler; Great-Grandchildren: Merlin Dotzler, Elaina Dotzler-Smith, Jace McGregor, Kai Dotzler; Sister Barbara (Clayton) Sundholm; Sister-in-Law Virginia “Jean” Dotzler; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her Husbands, Benedict “Benny” Dotzler, James Bruns and Clayton Rivers; siblings and their spouses; Mary (Chuck) Donahe, Joanne (Les) Mohrfeld, Gordon (Lorraine) Cartie, Richard (Donna) Cartie, Michael (Julie) Cartie and infant brother Lawrence Cartie. In-Laws and their spouses; Margaret (Ben) Walz, William “Bill’ Dotzler, Caroline (Laben) Thomas, Godfrey “Dutch” (Shirley) Dotzler, Mary Ann (Frank) Patrick, Patricia Dotzler.

Private graveside services will be held at Saint Thomas Cemetery in Aitkin. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin. www.srtfuneral.com

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