Marlys Elaine Lindemann

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, January 30 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 904 8th Ave SE, Mandan.

The visit will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29 at the Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Marlys Elaine Maier was born on January 18, 1944 in Hettinger, ND to Jacob and Martha Maier. She grew up with her parents and three brothers on the family farm near Haynes, ND. Many special memories were made on the farm; It was here that Marlys certainly developed her love of nature and animals. She attended Haynes Public School from 1st to 12th grades, graduating in 1962 as a salutator in a class of 12. She attended and graduated from Capital Commercial College in Bismarck and began working for the State of ND in the tax department.

Marlys met the love of her life, Donald Lindemann, while attending college in Bismarck. They were married on October 5, 1963 in the rectory of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, as the church was not yet built. Marlys and Don welcomed two children, a daughter and a son. Marlys and Don have worked very hard to give their family a wonderful life. Marlys worked for the State of ND for 36 years, primarily in the Department of Public Education and Child Nutrition and Food Distribution. I fondly remember visiting Mom in her office at the State Capitol, riding the elevators, and looking at the sky from her office windows. Her colleagues were like family to her.

Raised on a farm, Marlys knew the importance of working hard and not complaining. She was an expert in so many things: cooking, baking, gardening, canning, sewing and quilting. She had a green thumb like no other. She has worked hard to pass these skills on to her children and grandchildren. She had the solution to every problem and never hesitated to help others when they were in need. Helping others was one of her greatest joys.

Her servant’s heart remained busy long after her retirement in 2003. Marlys and Don were active members of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and Open Your Heart. Marlys donated blood regularly, even reaching the two-gallon mark. Her Redeemer Lutheran Church fellowship was a very important part of Marlys’ life. She was an active member of the Altar Guild, the Funeral Committee, the Quilting Group (which made quilts for babies and for special occasions for church members), the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society, the Flower Committee, and consistently helped count and record church offerings. Cooking and baking for events like Builders for Christ, potlucks, bible studies, fasting meals and for the kids at Little Lambs Day Care. She was always there to help on church clean-up days, tending plants and flowers, making crafts/decorations for annual church events such as Valentine’s Day Dinner, Women’s Advent and Trunk & Treat. She was an active staff member and volunteer at the Church’s child care program, Little Lambs Learning Center. She worked in the infant and toddler nursery, rocking/feeding/playing with babies whenever needed. She also washed/folded the baby/kids clothes and picked up the weekly Sam’s Club meal order, delivered and stored all items. She cooked meals and snacks for the children and also sewed the curtains for the day care center windows. The daycare children loved their homemade muffins so much that Marly’s was affectionately called “Grandma’s muffin”. Mom continued to serve her church after her cancer diagnosis for as long as her health allowed.

As Marlys began her cancer journey, she said, “I will fight until I can no longer, and if I have to, I am ready to be with my Savior!” Her faith has always been unwavering, including (and especially) in very difficult days. Her relationship with Christ was an inspiration to those who loved her.

Marlys loved each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. She was always supporting and praying for them. She remained active in the lives of her seven grandchildren, attending every game, concert and special occasion, and she was immensely proud of each of them. Her grandchildren all have a close, personal relationship with her and will greatly miss her presence in their lives.

Marlys is survived by her 59-year-old husband, Don; Daughter, Shellie (Darin) Rusch, Bismarck, Brent (JoAnn) Lindemann, Killdeer; Grandsons, Kelsey Rusch, Minot, Tanner (Danielle) Rusch, Bismarck, Kylie (Allan) Doppler, Lincoln, Lexie (Ethan) Birnbaum, Bismarck, Madisyn Rusch, Fargo, Rachel Rusch and fiancé Jacob Nistler, Bismarck, and Shelby Lindemann, Killdeer ; great-grandchildren Alaina Joy, Avery Mae, Joan Grace and baby expected in July; two brothers, Donald (Lila) Maier, Hettinger, and LeLand (Marilyn) Maier, Redcliff, Alberta; sisters-in-law LaVon Maier, Bismarck, and Janice Ramsfield, Dickinson; Brother-in-law Darrell Lindemann, Dickinson and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Her parents preceded her in death; Brother, Albert Maier, and a little brother.

To share memories of Marlys and to sign the online guest book, visit www.parkwayfuneral.com.