Theresa F. Moretto

Theresa F. Moretto, 81, died Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on March 28, 1930 in Proctor, MN. Her father Leo LeMay worked on the railroad and her mother Lena was a stay at home mom. Theresa was one of twelve children. She was a very beautiful woman who had the most beautiful green eyes and amazing red hair.

She attended the Holy Rosary School in Proctor, MN. As a young lady she worked as a switchboard operator and at the Proctor bakery.


She met the love of her life, Teto Moretto, they wed and had celebrated fifty-three years of marriage before his passing in 2004.

Theresa was a very hard worker. She raised their eleven children, five boys and six girls the very best she could, with the means she had, which was hard. As she did not work outside the home she would send her husband off to work at the US Steel Plant. She loved her children and instilled them to pray, work hard, be kind, and if it was your last slice of bread or last dollar, give it to someone who needed it more than you.

She enjoyed country music, Elvis Presley, and writing stories about her life. She sang songs, baked every Saturday and come Sundays she would fill the first pew at Holy Assumption Church in South Superior with all her children and her dad (he always) seemed to fall asleep during the service.


As you see thru our mother’s eyes, she would tell you if she was happy or when she was sad as she had struggled with manic depressive bipolar disorder for many years. She so much enjoyed the simple things in life. It was an amazing day for mom, if she walked with a grandchild and picked a daisy and had a hamburger for lunch. She would find the good in people and the beauty in simple acts of kindness. She never asked for much and gave to the needy what she had. Her greatest achievement was raising her family and to believe and trust in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Her words of wisdom she lived by were to give to others and never become selfish. To live simply, as you do not miss what you do not have and accomplish what you love with passion. Never be afraid and stay together as a family. In the end, she’s accomplished more than she ever knew and touched so many people with her smile, personality and words of wisdom.

Theresa is survived by five daughters, Cecilia Moretto Mathison, Solon Springs, WI, Judith (Ron Bohm) Moretto, Ramsey, MN, Joanne (David) Dietrich, Hanover, MN, Gloria (Elden) Bott, Edina, MN and Debbie (Jack) Morrissey, Eden Prairie, MN; four sons, Michael Moretto, Superior, WI, Leo (Lisa) Moretto, Apple Valley, MN, John (Andrea) Moretto, Blaine, MN and Donny (Angela) Moretto, Eau Claire, WI; son-in-law Jeff Johnson, Superior, WI; nine granddaughters, Tryphenia Eckberg, Melissa Meyers, Courtney Missinne, Jennifer Dietrich, Lindsey Work, Hannah Bott, Leslie and Rachel Moretto and Ann-Marie Morrissey; twelve grandsons, Brian Johnson, Mike Moretto, Jr., Joe Johnson, Rob Moretto, Ryan Dietrich, Christopher Work, Paul Moretto, Zach Bott, Jacky Morrissey, Matt Dietrich, Andy Morrissey and Joey Moretto; five great-granddaughters, Samantha Johnson, Hannah Spratley, Bristol Jones and Molly and Morgan Moretto; thirteen great-grandsons, Cody Johnson, Brett Missinne, Tyler Johnson, Jonathon Spratley, Alex Johnson, Branden Missinne, Dennis, Ethan and Neil Meyers, Jeffery and Jacob Moretto, Oliver and Owen Strand and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Teto and son, Jerry Moretto and daughter Mary Ann Johnson.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Mass with Rev. Fr. Don Kania as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Neuroscience Trauma ICU Unit, Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice and to Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center for all their care and support given to our mother.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.