Maurice Tretbar

Maurice Tretbar, age 94, of Ponsford, Minnesota, passed away on April 30, 2026, at Diamond Willow in Park Rapids, MN. Born on December 8, 1931, in Ponsford, Minnesota, to Albert and Matilda Tretbar, Maurice lived a long and full life rooted in hard work, family, and community.

Maurice attended school until 1946 and went on to marry Mildred Pihlaja on June 29, 1952. This union was blessed with two sons, Tony and Larry. The young couple began farming near Ponsford before moving to Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, where Maurice started working for the Cement Mason Industry as a cement finisher. In 1971, Maurice and Millie made their way back to the Ponsford area, returning to the land and the community they loved.

Maurice was a man of many passions. He was known for his farming and gardening, his love of playing the accordion, and his habit of tinkering around in the pole shed while listening to polka music. He could often be found working on his tractors or, better yet, spending time with his grandkids, great-grandkids, family, and friends. He gave generously of himself to his community, serving on the Carsonville Fire Department for 27 years and as a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ponsford.

Maurice was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Tretbar; his sons, Tony Tretbar and Larry Tretbar; and his parents, Albert and Mathilda (Bethke) Tretbar. He is survived by two daughters-in-law Sandra and Jean Tretbar, Grandchildren, Lisa Eckman, Travis (Teresa) Tretbar, Josh (Nicole) Tretbar, Brian (Dawn Miller) Tretbar and Ashley Tretbar along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. Maurice has gone to join his wife and his boys, creating a perfect family reunion in Heaven.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Funeral services will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church near Snellman, Minnesota, with Reverend Johnathan Schnose officiating. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Casket bearers will be Brian Tretbar, Travis Tretbar, Josh Tretbar, Jeff Tretbar, Ken Tretbar, Donny Tretbar, Dan Breitbach, and Tim Clements.

Honorary Casket bearers will be his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.