Adella Retka

life story

She saved her best catch for her golden years!

Adella was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who lit up a room with her bright smile and infectious laughter. She enjoyed a good party, especially if there was dancing. And she was always happy when you sang along while she played the organ at church.

Adella was also a lifelong angler whose most famous catch came when she was 85 while on a family fishing trip in Geraldton, Ontario, Canada. She made the local paper with a picture of her 32-inch walleye!

About Adella

Adella Retka was born in Bowlus, Minnesota, on July 15, 1906, to Charles and Susan (Thomalla) Burggraff. She grew up in the North Prairie area where she attended rural schools.

She married Angelo Gerbi on June 25, 1924, in North Prairie. After Angelo’s death in 1926, Adella moved to California, where she resided for several years. After returning to Minnesota, Adella married James C. Retka on August 25, 1930, in North Prairie. Together, the couple raised a blended family of eight children that they sometimes described as “hers, his and ours.” The family lived in Little Falls, Swanville, North Prairie, Bowlus and Royalton during their marriage.

Adella and James owned and operated a grocery store in North Prairie and Bowlus. Adella was also the church organist in North Prairie for six years, Swanville for three years and Royalton for 35 years. She was a member of Christian Mothers, St. Rose Mission Group, American Legion Auxiliary, Royalton Senior Citizens and St. Francis of Assisi in Little Falls.

When she wasn’t fishing, Adella loved dancing to live music at local venues and going out to eat with family and friends. At home, she enjoyed quilting, knitting and crafting, especially table arrangements.

Adella passed away peacefully on June 18, 1996 at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minnesota. She was 89.