Marietta "Toots" Kukacka

MARIETTA “TOOTS” KUKACKA, age 95 of Montgomery, died in the early morning of Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.

Marietta was born on November 1st, 1929, to Joseph F. and Mary (Lestina) Speikers. She was married to Harold Keogh on January 15th, 1949, and before they divorced in 1954, they had two children, Dennis A. Keogh and Edward J. Keogh. Marrietta married George Kukacka on February 26th, 1960. They had two children, Deborah A. (Kukacka) Ely, and Pamela J. Kukacka. Toots was very family-oriented, committing her life to her children and grandchildren. She held several jobs during her lifetime, including several years at Munsingwear in Montgomery, Canterbury Park, Winco, Green Giant, and Sunrise Farms. She was also known as “Repo Granny” when she helped her son Ed with his repo business. Toots would drive any type of vehicle from sports cars with five on the floor to a dually pickup.

Toots was a great cook and baker and had many family meals at her home. She would make several dozen Kolacky for family for the Kolacky Days Celebration and the Holidays. She was also a wonderful seamstress making clothes for her children and grandchildren. Toots loved to travel. She traveled to many places either with her children or on a bus tour. She especially enjoyed Branson MO taking in several shows over many years. She enjoyed country western music and was a big fan of Elvis Presly owning most of his albums. Toots was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and Montgomery Historical Society for many years.

Toots is survived by four children, Denny (Sandy) Keogh, Ed (Jean) Keogh, Deb Ely, and Pam Kukacka (fiancé, Tom Zerby); six grandchildren, Tony Keogh, Vince Anderson, Zack (Aubrey) Ruehling, Amanda (Jeremy) Morsching, Cheyene David, Elsa Ely; one great-grandson, Wilder Ruehling; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; two brothers, Joseph Speikers and Bernard Speikers Sr; and son-in-law Jim Ely.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Burial will be at Bohemian National Cemetery in Montgomery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until the time of the service at the funeral home on Thursday.