Marlys J. Oie

She passed away at home, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving this world the same way she lived in it—wrapped in warmth, kindness, and in the presence of those she cherished most.

Marlys was born in Appleton, Minnesota, to John Uphoff and Mildred (Millie) Pederson. From her earliest days, family was at the very center of her life, and that devotion only deepened with time. She built a home filled with love, creativity, and comfort—a place where everyone felt welcome and at ease.

In 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert Oie, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Their life was rooted in devotion, partnership, and a deep love for family.

Marlys had a special way of bringing warmth and beauty to everyday life. She loved simple joys like baking, crafting, shopping, reading, and traveling. She enjoyed sewing and made many outfits for her granddaughters-each stitch a quiet expression of her care. From painting ceramics and crafting jewelry to designing and baking wedding cakes, she shared her creativity in countless ways, including her floral arrangements that added beauty to wedding days. She also took special pride in creating her own Birthday, Christmas, Celebration, and Thank-You cards—each one handmade, personal, and filled with love. Christmas was especially dear to her, and she poured herself into making it magical for those she cherished. Her favorite pastime was birdwatching, where she found peace and joy in life’s small, gentle moments.

During her working years, Marlys held a few different jobs. She worked at a department store, a library and a bank. While she enjoyed each role and held fond memories of her work, her most treasured and fulfilling roles were those of a devoted wife and homemaker. She was truly one of a kind—a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. To her family, she was the heart of it all.

Marlys was especially wonderful with children and shared an unbreakable bond with her grandchildren. Along with her nurturing heart, she had a playful, silly side that brought laughter wherever she went—always ready to joke, smile, or join in their fun. Her hugs were warm and reassuring, her presence comforting, and her love unconditional. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader, always celebrating accomplishments, encouraging dreams, and making each person feel deeply seen and valued. Though she will be profoundly missed, Marlys’s love lives on through the generations she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories held close by all who loved her.

She is survived by her children, Diana (Sean) Hunczak and Dale (Deann) Oie; her sister, Carol Smith; and her brother, Gene (Sharon) Uphoff; her grandchildren, Jessica (Billy), Alexi (Jay Jay), Blake, Jayce (Macey), Kolton, and Kierstyn; her great-grandchildren, Samantha (Herman), Nile, Jada, Chloe, Alisha, Ashlyn, Roen, Sophia, Raimi, Rhyzen, Margot, and James; and her great-great-grandchildren, Zimina, Zelena, Athena, and Nylah Rae.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mildred "Millie" Uphoff; her beloved husband, Robert Oie; and her younger brother, Keith Uphoff.

Blessing:

May Marlys rest in peace, reunited with the loved ones who went before her. May her family find comfort in the legacy of love she leaves behind, and may her spirit live on in every act of kindness, every shared memory, and every warm embrace inspired by her life.

A visitation will be held at Gearhart Funeral Home, located at 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, on January 29, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A memorial service will follow at the same location beginning at 3:00 p.m.

After the memorial service, invited guests may join us for food and drinks at the VFW: 1919 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55433