Marcia D. Fritzmeier, age 76, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 4, 2024, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

Marcia was born on February 9, 1947, in Rochester to Everett and Eileen (Brackenbury) Makepeace. She grew up in Rochester and attended RPS and graduated from John Marshall in 1965. After high school she studied Pte-Veterinary Tech at Rochester Community and Tech College.

In July of 1966 she married Gary Fritzmeier and they moved to Rockford, IL to work for Amerock Corp. for four years. After moving back to Rochester, she worked at Mayo until her retirement. She volunteered bringing therapy dogs into hospitals and schools. She also tested and helped train therapy dogs for Therapy Dogs International. While at Mayo, Marcia was the founder of Mayo Clinic Caring Canines. She also trained a dog to become Minnesota's first Facility Trained Service Dog certified by Can Do Canine Service Dogs.  Her dog, Dr. Jack, helped numerous patients and provided Marcia the opportunity to meet many important people like, Ty Warner, President Bush and Barabara Bush, Laura Bush and His Holiness the Dalai Lama while working with Dr. Jack.

Marcia is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gary F. Fritzmeier; son, Marc (Dana) Fritzmeier; and daughter, Whitney (Mark) Jewison; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Mayo staff that helped and the amazing care she received from Season's Hospice Home Care.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

There will be a private family service at a later date at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption or Camp Companion.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .