Marlys Hope Gathje
Sunday, June 6, 1937
Date of Death:
Monday, August 2, 2021
Age:
84 years old
Sunday, June 6, 1937
Date of Death:
Monday, August 2, 2021
Age:
84 years old
Sunday, June 6, 1937
Date of Death:
Monday, August 2, 2021
Age:
84 years old
Marlys Hope Gathje
Marlys Hope Gathje, 84, of Rochester, MN, died August 2, 2021, at St Marys Hospital.
Marlys was born June 6, 1937, in Dover, MN, to Harold and Delia (Younger) Liskow. She graduated from St Charles High School in 1955. On July 9, 1960, she married David Gathje at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. They lived in Rochester for all their 61 years of married life.
She was the self-proclaimed Marbles Champ of St Charles Elementary School and the 8th grade Spelling Bee Champion. She trained as a registered nurse at the Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing. Later in life, she was a founding member of Resurrection Parish, taught Bible studies, led confirmation classes, and served as a Sacristan, a Reader and a Eucharistic Minister. Marlys also volunteered as a Scouting leader and was mother to 5 Eagle Scouts,
Her comforting and kind spirit was ever present and would put people around her at ease; young and old alike. She enjoyed time with her Tuesday morning church group, the “Coffee Chicks” and served regularly at funerals, but she could also joke around with the teenagers and she could snuggle any fussy baby to sleep in minutes.
She was a mother to her own 6 children as well as all the other kids that came through her kitchen and shared her love of baking through many dozens of cookies she baked for every season and occasion of the year.
‘Granny’ loved her 12 grandchildren and multiple grand dogs. She was an ever present superfan for her kids’ and grandkids’ activities through the years and an avid Minnesota Twins fan.
She traveled extensively, including to Europe, to the Holy Land, many trips to Hawaii, and on RV adventures throughout the United States (including Alaska), as well as Canada and Mexico.
She was a country music fan and made many trips to Nashville and Branson.
Marlys took yearly fishing trips to Canada with her husband, children and grandchildren for 40 years. She was a multiple-Master Walleye Angler, occasionally even using gummy worms with the grandkids.
Whether she was known as Marlys, sister, aunt, cousin, ‘Pudge’, neighbor, friend, ‘Granny’, wife, or Mom, she was loved by all who knew her and her memory will be treasured forever.
She is survived by her loving husband; her sons, Dean (Maria), Dan, Tim, Chris (Teresa), and Jaime (Shelby); and her daughter, Deb (Tony) Stai; and her 12 grandchildren along with special nieces and nephews.
Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Mayvorette Leferink, Phyllis Walz, Burnette Strain, Russel “Bud” Liskow, Lyle “Boots” Liskow, and Carol Mays.
Her Funeral Mass will be held on at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held at the church starting at 9:30 and a luncheon will follow the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
The family extends its deep gratitude to 7 Mary Brigh and 4 Domitilla care teams as well as the palliative and hospice teams. Memorials can be sent to Mayo Clinic Hospice.
Condolences
The family of Marlys Hope Gathje has received the following condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you thoughts of loving-kindness at this very difficult time.
It has been yeasr since I have seen Pudge. Actually we would be 2nd cousins. Elrey was my Dad. I extend my condolences to the family. David you probably don't remember me either. I spent summers with Wava and Albert. Remember the good times.
Dear Uncle Dave and family I am so sorry to hear of Marlys's death. I think of you all often. She was a wonderful part of our lives, person, mom and everything else. I have many good memories of those days gone by. I know she is with God now in a better place. My deapest sympathy for your loose.
Dear Dave and family, I am so sorry to hear that Marlys has passed. Marlys always had a kind word as well as a warm hug and bright smile that made me feel welcome at Resurrection. As a charter member and pillar of Res she will be sorely missed. I also remember when we ran into you in Florida at a Twins game a few years ago. What a welcome sight you were! Thank you for the beautiful obituary that helped me know more about Marlys. Blessed be her memory and bless all of the family and friends who will miss her.
My deepest sympathies Dave.. It has been a long time since we worked together but I have always remembered
you and your family..
Rod H
There is an old adage that says "love is blind". Marlys proved that adage to be false. Her presence not only made you feel loved, it also made everything around you feel at peace. The Lord gave each of us our own special gifts. Marlys's gifts helped to make mankind better.
Dave and Family How sad we are to learn of Marlys death. We remember, fondly the many years ago when we were neighbors, and our children played together, attended school together. May you find comfort and peace in the memories of your life together and with your family. Jack and Gloria, Chris, Julie, Matthew and John Hostak
Sorry for you loss of a loved one, May Mary’s soul and all the souls of the Faithfully through the Mercy of God Rest In Peace Amen
Pudge welcomed everyone, family, friend, or stranger, with warmth and acceptance-always interested in what was happening in your life. If you were a stranger, you weren’t one for long. She had a warm, infectious laugh and used it often.
She will be missed! May she Rest In Peace.
David, Dean, Dan, Tim, Chris, Deb & Jamie and families, our thoughts, prayers & love to all of you.