Marlys Hannig, age 69, of Oriska, ND, died Saturday, July 24, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm, Friday, August 6, 2021 at Connect Church, Valley City, ND. The prayer service will be viewable via live stream at https://vimeo.com/580009822 A private family graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Valley City.
Marlys was born August 8, 1951 to Hjalmer and Myrtle Jensen. She grew up in Valley City, ND, attended College High, and graduated from Valley City High School in 1969, Marlys attended New York Hair Styling in Fargo, ND, graduating in 1970. After working a brief time in Fargo, Marlys married Daniel Hannig May 14, 1971 in Valley City, ND. Together they had six children they raised on a farm near Oriska, ND. Even though farm life and her children kept Marlys busy, she found time to work at Ole’s Bakery, Tower View Cafe and Open Door Center for the last 25 years, retiring January 2021.
Marlys’ love was her family. In a moment’s notice, she would have Taco Night for her family, so everyone could get together. Marlys always made sure her family had lefse every Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and provided her grandchildren with chokecherry jelly. Marlys also enjoyed company that would come to visit, as she would always put a pot of coffee on.
Marlys trusted fully in the Lord, especially when challenges would come her way. She would always remind us to have faith and to keep a positive attitude.
Marlys is survived by her husband of 50 years, Daniel; daughters, Stacey (Brad) Thomsen, Thompson, ND, Heidi (Al) Lindemann, Surprise, AZ, Emily (Shane) Stephenson, Waddell, AZ, and Katie (Roger) Potts, LaMoure, ND; her son, Darin (Jenna) Hannig, Oriska, ND; her son-in-law Chad Erickson, Tower City, ND; 19 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Marlys is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Rachel) Jensen, Valley City and Marlin (Conny) Jensen, Sanborn, ND and her brother-in-law Brent Olstad, Minot, ND.
Marlys is preceded in death by her daughter Mindy Erickson, parents, Myrtle and Hjalmer Jensen and her sister, Alice Olstad.
It would be wrong to say that Marlys lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Marlys stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight.
The family would like to thank Roger Maris Cancer Center for their care they provided during the years.
Marlys’ request was that memorials go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com