She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, LeRoy; their infant baby girl; sisters, Jo Ann Bailey and Ellen Jean Wright; her parents, John and Ruby Johnson; birth father, Harold Kopp; foster children, James Fuller, and Robin Fuller.
Marlyse came from humble beginnings on a farm in Ortonville, Minnesota where she was the oldest of five children and worked with her dad on the farm. She finished high school in Ortonville and went on to college and obtained a certificate in teaching elementary and high school students. She also attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis.
During her adventures as a young woman, she met a handsome city man, LeRoy, and they married in 1954. They moved to Coon Rapids and started their life together. Soon, they started a family whom they both fiercely loved.
Marlyse worked as a teacher in her early years, and later for Peace Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids as head custodian.
Marlyse performed as the clown “Jelly Bean” which was borne out of her love for children and laughter. She performed with the Lucky Loafer Clowns of America Club where she walked in parades and went to schools and churches, which her grandchildren adored. Being a clown brought her so much happiness.
Marlyse had a beautiful smile and a genuinely caring heart. She loved children and helping people. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke around. She had a beautiful voice and would often break out in song. She also could yodel.
Marlyse had a strong faith in God which brought her to volunteer for Pioneer Girls, Sunday school, church choir and solos. She also cared for foster children in her home and called them her own. Her love for adventure brought her to Coon Rapids Senior Cable TV production team where she enjoyed traveling to film events for cable programs.
Unknown to many, Marlyse had a shy side which she worked on throughout her life. She joined the SpeakEZ Toastmasters Club and became more confident in public speaking. Marlyse enjoyed woodworking, gardening, sewing, swimming, playing the harmonica and softball. She also greatly enjoyed spending time with her family at their cabin in northern Minnesota.
Marlyse is survived by her children, Debra (Gregg) Akason, Allan (Barbara) Moon, Nancy (David) Peterson; grandchildren Heather (Michael) Peterson, Geoff (Jennifer) Akason, Seth (Corrie) Akason, Jessica (Bill Vogt) Akason, Steven (Rhiannon) Moon, Nicholas (Anna) Moon, Mallory (John McDermott) Moon, Janene Dold, Joseph Bursch, Meranda Peterson, Adam Peterson; bonus grandchildren, Cheryl, Karen, Diane, Ethan, Isabelle, Owen, Mason, and Amelia; great-grandchildren, Wesley, Ashton, Sylas, Brady, Kylie, Eleanor, Blake, Cody, Camryn, Olive, Alder, Violet, Chloe, Alisha, Ashlyn, and Maleia. Marlyse is also survived by her siblings Patsy Holmblad, Keven (Susan) Johnson, M. Anne Vick and many other family members and friends.
Join us to celebrate Marlyse's life on Saturday February 1st at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Visitation at 1:00 pm service at 2:00 pm and light meal to follow.
