Marlys Kruize

Marlys Ruth (Bjugan) Kruize, 79 of Elbow Lake, died Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Bethany on University, in Fargo, ND. She was born on June 10, 1942, to Anton and Alma (Frigaard) Bjugan in Fergus Falls and lived her life in Grant County. She attended school in Elbow Lake and graduated in 1960.

On December 12, 1964, Marlys married Donald Kruize at First Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, and they were blessed with three children.

After graduating from Elbow Lake High School, she attended Beauty School in Fergus Falls and became a Beautician. Marlys worked for Della Nelson for many years. She then took time to raise her three children. Later she worked part-time for Shear Style in Elbow Lake, and then managed the Duebers Department Store for several years. Marlys then decided to retire full time.

Marlys assisted with the many duties on the family farm. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening (maintaining her many flowerbeds and their large vegetable garden), baking, canning, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the local Homemakers group for many years.

Marlys was a member of United Lutheran Church, where she served as a Tribe leader with her husband, Donald; and was active with 4-H.

In 2017, Marlys moved to the Barrett Assisted Living where she lived until the time of her death. While at the Assisted Living she enjoyed visiting with the other residents, playing cards, and playing BINGO.

Marlys is survived by her children, James (Jennifer) Kruize of Fargo, Peggy Uhlenkamp of Olivia, and Jody (Jamie Brendmoen) Kruize of Barrett; grandchildren Nathan, Hannah, Kylie, and Erin Kruize; Trent, Mason, and Kole Uhlenkamp; Ryleigh, Haleigh, and Karleigh; sister Arlene Erickson of Alexandria; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Diane (Harvey) Erickson of Battle Lake, Kathy (Eddie) Beckman of Andover, and Gladys Woltjer of Battle Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Marlys was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son-in-law Mark Uhlenkamp; brother and sister-in-law Gordon (Janet) Bjugan, brother-in-law Orrin Erickson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alvina (Fred) Woltjer, Darlene (Orvin) Rosin, and brother-in-law Bill Woltjer.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake.

Visitation on Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake and resuming one hour prior to the services at the church.

Burial at Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake.

Funeral Home:  Erickson-Smith of Elbow Lake