December 21, 11945 – August 27, 2026

Anna Loretta (Babatz) Marquette

Anna Loretta (Babatz) Marquette passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026. She entered the gates of Heaven from the family farm she had shared with her beloved husband, Gary, just as she had always wished.

Anna was born on December 21, 1945, in Watertown, Minnesota, to Francis Henry Jr. and Margaret Evelyn (Bronder) Babatz. She was reborn into the Family of God through Holy Baptism on December 30, 1945, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota.

In 1946, the Babatz family moved to what would become their family farm in Montrose. Anna grew up working around the farm and carried that love of the land and farm life throughout her years. She later worked a variety of jobs, including at Buffalo Veneer and Plywood and Huikko’s Bowling Center in Buffalo, as well as serving as a nanny for a family in Wayzata.

On October 21, 1967, Anna was united in marriage to Gary Marquette at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. Together, they were blessed with three children: Emojean, Leah, and Myron.

Anna spent the remainder of her working years side by side with Gary, raising their family and running the dairy farm. She loved the farm, but she also loved getting away to go fishing whenever she had the chance.

In her later years, Anna found great joy in the simple things. She loved spending time in her yard, tending to her flowers, battling her never-ending crop of dandelions, and “getting her exercise” chasing her little buddy, Mack—whom she affectionately called Max—around the yard.

Anna had a sweet tooth and could easily be won over with an orange pop, chocolate covered cherries or a piece of chocolate cake. But the quickest way to her heart was to sit down beside her and play a game of cards. She loved the laughter, the competition, and most of all, the time spent together.

Anna was not only “Grandma” to her own grandchildren, but to all of their friends as well. So many people have their own special story of “Grandma at the farm.” Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, sister, friend, or simply the woman who welcomed you at the farm, Anna had a way of making people feel at home. She loved deeply, gave generously, and left an impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Marquette; her parents, Frank and Margaret Babatz; her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Dalbec; and her son-in-law, Mike Otto.

She is survived by her son, Myron Marquette, and daughters, Emojean Marquette and Leah Otto; grandchildren Cody (Missy) Otto, Nicole (Dylan) Maidl, Gavin Marquette, Sophia Marquette, and Lydia Marquette; great-grandchildren Owen and Blair Otto; siblings Gene, Paula, and Helen; along with many extended family members and friends.

Per Anna’s wishes, no service will be held at this time. Private interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo with immediate family.

In lieu of memorials or flowers, please consider a donation to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Buffalo, MN in Anna’s honor.

Though Anna has left the family farm, her love, laughter, stories, and memories will remain there—and in the hearts of all who loved her—for generations to come.