Marlys Grindberg
May 4, 1931 ~ May 17, 2022
Marlys (Geerdes) Grindberg left this earthly realm May 17, 2022, with her daughters at her side.
Amaryllis Grace Geerdes was born to William and Martha Geerdes May 4, 1931, at the family home in Davenport, N.D. She was the youngest of 6 children and affectionately known as “Babe” by many in the Geerdes tribe.
She married the love of her life, Carl Grindberg, in 1950. They lived in Davenport, N.D. for 64 years until Carl passed away in 2015. Both Marlys and Carl were considered role-models by family and friends far and wide because of their generosity, faith, and their commitment to their family and community. Marlys continued to live in her Davenport home until March of this year when she went to Sheyenne Crossings Care Center for transitional care. Her hope was to return to her beloved community home, but it was not meant to be.
Marlys loved her community and church. She was a lifelong member and supporter of Davenport Luthern Church, where she was baptized, confirmed and married. Her life was one of service and support to everyone around her. She volunteered for many years in many capacities. She was Secretary of the Cass County Health Advisory Council, Bethany Homes Auxiliary longtime volunteer and President, member of the Davenport Fire Auxiliary, the Soil Conservation Auxiliary, 25 year member of the Davenport Homemakers Club, President of Davenport Senior Citizens, and officer of the Davenport Lutheran Church Council and Ladies’ Aide.
Her entire life was spent as a caretaker for friends and family, young and old. She was strong-willed and kind-hearted. She was constantly helping uplift those around her. She was a woman of great faith and lived it daily – she was affectionately known as “The Prayer Warrior”.
She was the unofficial “Welcome Wagon” for the City of Davenport. Through the years, Marlys baked thousands of cookies and fresh-baked goods to share in all types of important life events for those in the community. Her funeral food was known far and wide. Anyone that stopped by her house knew they wouldn’t leave without getting a cup of coffee and a home-baked treat.
Marlys loved being a member of the ‘Dummy Rummy Club’, where she would play for quarters and share copious amounts of snacks with her friends.
Marlys took great pride in her flowers and her garden. Her favorite spot was sitting at the kitchen table watching the flowers bloom and the birds at the feeders.
The biggest joy in life was her family. Marlys was a true matriarch and the glue that held it all together. Our fondest memories will be of our family gathered around the kitchen table, where stories were told and memories were made.
Marlys is survived by her two daughters, Val (Del) Bernstein and Marty (Mike) Schmit, both of Davenport; her grandchildren, Wade Bernstein of Billings, MT and Joey (Emma) Schmit of Fargo, ND; and her great grandchildren, Preston and Adilyn Bernstein, and Tilda and Rowan Schmit.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; parents; 3 brothers (Ken, Jim and Bill Geerdes) and 2 sisters (Eileen Conway-Best and Marcy Wilson), and granddaughter Molly Bernstein.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Davenport Lutheran Church – with a visitation one hour prior – All are welcome to attend this service, for those unable, it will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.
BURIAL: Davenport Cemetery
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Fredrikson- Boulger Funeral Chapel in Kindred, ND. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Services
Burial: May 28, 2022 11:15 am
Room: Davenport Cemetery
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What a beautiful lady
Yep, Marlys was one of the first people in Davenport to visit us when we moved in. She was so warm and caring. She and Carl were the pillars and glue that made the community a great place to live. Rest in peace, Marlys.
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed.
I was just looking to see if this lady was a relative of Karla Grindberg from Fargo, ND. Not to be, but I was taken with what a wonderful lady she has been. Her caring, kindness and love of life leaves me overwhelmed. Such a person is all too rare. May someone know that she has inspired me to be more like her. 💓 May she once again be with her love of her life. Somehow I think she will still be watching over every one in this community. Hugs to all!
Val and Marty and the families
Your Mother and Father were wonderful people and great friends. They were among the first in the community to welcome us to the community when we moved to Davenport in 1973.. Judy and I are sorry to learn of your loss and we hope God gives you peace in your hearts. We appreciated their friendship.
Gone from us that smiling face, the cheerful pleasant ways,the heart that won so many friends,in bygone happy days. A life made beautiful by kindly deeds,a helping hand for others’needs….To a beautiful life..Comes a happy end,she died as she lived …Everyone’s friend…..Marlys…my second Mom I shall never forget you!!Rest in peace dear angel!!
Dear Val. Marty and families: Our sympathy in the loss of your Mom. She was a pillar in the Davenport community. Also friendy when we saw her. Treasure the memories and the time you had her. She wil be missed.
Marty and family, So sad for the loss of your mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend. However long we have each other is never long enough. May the memory of your mom, and all she was, carry you gently through this sad time.
Val and Marty, our sincere sympathy at the loss of your Mom. Your mom and Bud always talked of their family ties. Your grandma Geerdes and Bud’s dad were cousins. Your mom was a great lady.
Bud and Elaine Huhner