Marlis J. Unbekannt Coons

Marlis Jutta (Unbekannt) Coons was born in Berlin-Schoeneberg, Gemany, on July 2, 1943 to Fritz and Erika (Modrack) Unbekannt. Upon graduating from school, Marlis went to work for a local bank and witnessed the Berlin Wall being erected; entrapping several of her aunts and uncles in newly created East Berlin. On a weekly basis, Marlis would put her life at risk smuggling food, clothing, and newspapers across the border to them. In another horrifying episode during those times, she saved her mother's life from atrocities committed by the communist militants of the now divided city. She would later find her husband of 41 years after a blind date set up by her mother. Ironically, her husband, Darryl Coons, worked as a “spy” for the United States Army Security Agency.

After moving to the United States of America in 1969 and settling down in Houston, Texas, Marlis returned to school earning her Registered Nurse License. This was her lifelong dream from which she reitred after over 30 years of employment. After her final nursing position in San Francisco, CA, she and Darryl made the decision to move back to New Braunfels.

Marlis was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion

Auxiliary Posts in Benicia, CA; an associate member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, member of the Garden Club and Conservation Society in New Braunfels, TX.

She also regularly attended Cross Lutheran Church where she participated in the preparation of the German Language Christmas Sermon/Program.

Marlis is survived by her husband Darryl Coons; daughter Bettina Boykin and her husband Pat; grandson, Nicholas Ramirez; son Sylvester Coons and his wife Melissa; grandaughters Anastasia and Alessandra Coons. Other survivors include father-in-law, Harry Coons; sister-in-law, Stephanie Stoner and her husband, Jack and son, Matthew; Darryl's Aunt Delitha Guenzel and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in the Zoeller Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Don Fraker.