Marlys Kroese, age 86 of Schaller, IA passed away peacefully at her home in Schaller on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Marlys Jean Kroese was born September 25, 1935, to parents Ben and Lois (Shaw) Christiansen in Nemaha, IA. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church. She grew up in Nemaha and Schaller and graduated from Schaller High School in 1953 where she was Student Body President and was crowned Popcorn Day Queen in 1952. After graduation, she became a world traveler after winning trips to the Bahamas, Lisbon, and Paris as a contestant on the Price Is Right. Upon returning to Schaller she met her husband Kenny and they were united in marriage on January 27th, 1968. In her life, she was blessed with four children, Kathy, Mark, Susie, and Kris. As her kids grew she was active in everything they did, she never missed an event and everyone knew she was in the stands, even the refs. After the kids graduated, she followed her brothers Dennis and Dean’s coaching careers and also loved ISU Cyclone basketball. Marlys was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed bowling, golf, cribbage, and an occasional trip to the casino. Her home was always open to friends and family and she knew how to turn a weekend gathering into a celebration. One of her most unforgettable gatherings was welcoming the boys home after the Vietnam War, these boys were always heroes in her eyes. Her home was the destination place every Popcorn Days and she never ran out of food, drinks, or ride tickets. She thought she was sneaky always giving the grandkids a $20 bill as she hugged them goodbye, but we all knew. 

Marlys worked as a bookkeeper for Schaller Telephone Company full time from 1967 to 1998 and continued part-time until she officially retired in 2012. During this time she received her degree in telephone accounting from DMACC. Marlys was an active community volunteer which included Methodist Church Treasurer and the Community Housing Director, along with many other volunteer activities. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 54 years Kenneth Kroese of Schaller, IA; children: Kathy (Tom) Box of Ames, IA, Mark (Lib) Gividen of Lincoln, NE, Susie (Rod) Mayou of Albert City, IA, and Kris (Todd) Bloyer of Schaller, IA; grandchildren: Katie (Andres) Amador, Tara (Adam) Box-Walker, Nick (Sarah) Gividen, Amy (Aaron) Garness, Linsey Gividen, Luke Gividen, CJ Mayou, Tristan Bloyer, and Bo Bloyer; brothers: Dennis (Cheri) Christiansen of Shenandoah, IA, and Dean (Barb) Christiansen of Alta, IA, and 11 great-grandchildren. 

Marlys left us with this final thought; “Don’t be sad because I died, be happy because I lived. I had a good life.” She celebrated everyone else’s lives and accomplishments so let's return the favor, please join us Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 at 10:00 am for graveside services at the Schaller Cemetery and Celebration of Life to follow at the Schaller Jaycee shelter house, bring your memories…. 

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Lois Christiansen, brother Floyd (Ruth) Christiansen, and son-in-law Rod Mayou.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Schaller Ambulance Squad, or the St. Croix Hospice. Cards can be mailed to Kenneth Kroese 310 South Perth Street, Schaller, IA 51053.