Marlys Kersting

marlys kersting
Marlys Darleen Kersting, who was born on April 14, 1938, peacefully passed away on July 1, 2021 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. On January 4, 1958, Marlys wed James Kersting Sr., and they spent 63 blissful years loving one another and creating a beautiful family. Marlys devoted her life to caring for her husband and three children. She was an exceptional crafter and sold wood crafts throughout the state of North Dakota. Marlys was also an incredibly talented quilter and made many masterpieces throughout her life that will be treasured for years to come. Every child and grandchild of hers received a beautiful quilt. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Marlys knew that she loved with every ounce of her being. Her love was selfless and truly pure. She always put others before herself and never expected anything in return. Marlys was generous, warm, kind, and compassionate. She always saw the best in others and her smile and laugh, which will be passed down for generations to come, was contagious. Marlys could make you laugh so hard it would hurt. She lit up the room with a presence that was so naturally sweet and comforting. Because of this, Marlys made friends everywhere she went. Marlys exuded kindness and genuine interest in others. She was strong, resilient, and despite all of her own hardships, never failed to continually encourage, support, and deeply love everyone that was fortunate enough to be in her life. The world was a better place because of Marlys. Everyone in her life was a better person because of her example. We are blessed and eternally grateful to have had Marlys in our lives. Marlys, your love and memories will live within everyone forever. You are an angel, our angel, and we love you more. Marlys is survived by her loving husband, James Kersting; 3 children, James Kersting Jr. (Cheryl); grandchildren, Kristi (Ken), James III (Megan), Sonny (Heather), Angela (Tracy); Kathy Van Dorn (Jon); grandchildren, Jon Jr. (Erin); Alli (Mickey); Joe (Hannah); and Lisa Jones (Jeff); grandchildren, Joey (Angela), Andy, Daniel, and Mike. She is also survived by 18 great grandchildren, her sister Joanne Biesheuvel, and all of her nieces and nephews. Marlys will be cremated with a service at a later date.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Jim, I am so sorry for your loss of the love of your life. She was a very precious person, especially for you and your family. Hugs to you Big Jim, blessings and prayers of comfort and understanding. Love David

  2. This wonderful description make me hope that my grandmother was the same. I feel anyone blessed enough to know grandparents have a special bond. May she rest in enter all peace. Allison the smile and bringing joy I see where you got
    It from.

    Love Ya, your Virginia Mom
    Sandra Sloane 💕

  3. Jim and family
    Sorry for your loss, Marlys was a special person. She is in a better place. Love never ends.

  4. Jim and family. I’m sorry to learn of Marlys passing. As always, I wish you the best. You are a wonderful man and a great friend.

    John Simonson

  5. Deeply sorry to read of Marlys passing. She was a wonderful lady, lots of great memories when we all were at Pickeral Lake years ago. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

  6. Jim & Family

    Sorry to hear of your loss Jim, Marlys was a wonderful lady! Take care Jim.

  7. So sorry James and to your family for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. God bless you and your loved ones. I wish nothing but the best for you and your love ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💐🌹❤️

  8. Jim—-Haven’t seen you guys since you moved back to Fargo,so sorry to hear of Marlys’s passing,so happy I got to know her,a great lady. Remember the good times.Your name comes up at the shop a lot. Take care my friend. R I P

  9. Grams was the most hard working and loving women I have ever known. She took me and my two other brothers (Dan and Joey) on a South Dakota trip that lasted the whole summer. She also was a excellent seamstress, she sewed my khakis when I split them in the middle, she also collected fabric during her time traveling the world, then used that fabric to make quilts for the family to remember her. Grandma Kersting is a ideal Invisionment on how to be a sibling, a partner, a parent, and a grandparent. May you rest in peace Grams I will always and forever love you

  10. Your family was a huge part of our growing up years. Loved coming over to visit. So very sorry, so hard to lose the ones we love. The Moll’s all send their condolences. Becky Moll

  11. I am so sorry to hear about Marlys. I did handyman work in Bismarck for them and what a great couple! I always enjoyed helping them out.

  12. So very sad to hear!!! I have so very many happy memories of growing up as a kid on 9th Street in Fargo and hanging out with Kathy! Marlys was a very kind sweet lady and awesome Mom! My thoughts and prayers go out to all. Take care!

  13. So sorry to hear about Marlys. She was indeed a very kind and loving person. God bless you and your family.
    George Cook


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide