In loving memory of
Marlys Ann Brandenburg
October 15, 1941 - November 17, 2020
Marlys Ann Brandenburg was born on October 15, 1941, in Emmet County. She was the daughter of Alvin Henry and Vivian Thankful (Potter) Nelsen. With two older sisters, Wanda and Sharon, and a younger brother, Chris she was raised on a farm near Ringsted. Marlys attended grade school in Ringsted. Following the unfortunate passing of Alvin, Vivian married Martin Berdahl; and they had a son Roger.
Marlys was united in marriage to Fabian Mathew Brandenburg on January 25, 1974, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong. Together they lived on Fabian's farm north of Armstrong and then eventually moved into town, where Marlys assisted Fabian in caring for his mother, Anna Brandenburg. Although their married life together was brief, Marlys and Fabian enjoyed their social life of attending family gatherings, attending events at the Stateline Bar or other local establishments, and socializing with many Armstrong area friends with whom they grew up. Fabian preceded her in death on June 25, 1978.
Marlys continued to live in the Armstrong area until the late 1980's, when she moved to Waukee to pursue work in the jewelry industry at K's Merchandise. She thoroughly enjoyed the business and had a gift for coordinating jewelry for clientele. Marlys dressed well to compliment her fine jewelry. As she desired to slow down a bit, she worked part-time at HyVee until settling into retirement.
Marlys had several hobbies, including listening to music and watching baseball. Marlys had a love for music. She was a lifelong follower of Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Wayne Newton, among many other artists. She kept pictures from the concerts she attended tucked away in her safe. Marlys was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Seldom did she leave conversations without having updated her company on the most recent Cardinal victory. The remainder of her time she filled with following her family through life events, playing cards, completing puzzles, catching up with her latest puzzles on her tablet, and watching Dwayne Johnson movies.
Marlys A. Brandenburg died Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at Mercy One Hospital in West Des Moines. She was 79.
She is survived by one sister, Wanda Porter of Ruidoso, NM; and many nieces, nephews, and other members of the Brandenburg, Nelsen, and Berdahl families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one sister, Sharon Nelsen; and two brothers, Chris Nelsen, and Roger Berdahl.
A private funeral Mass, with Father Merlin J. Schrad and Reverend Mr. John Rudd officiating, will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Marlys Brandenburg Memorial Fund to be used at the discretion of her family.