Marlys Joan (Anderson) Awes, age 84, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2017, with her husband, Vern Awes ’55, by her side. Marlys was born on Aug. 8, 1932, in Minneapolis, the daughter of Wendell and Marjorie Anderson. She graduated first in her class from Columbia Heights High School and married Vernon Awes ‘55 on July 1, 1956. Marlys became his life partner of 60 years and supported Vern as a pastor and chaplain. Together they lived in multiple locations including Esmond, N.D., Spring Grove, Minn., Camp Lejeune, N.C., Seattle, then back to Minneapolis while Vern was in Vietnam, Patuxent River, Md., and finally Madison, Wis., where they served at Trinity Lutheran, Hope Lutheran, Wisconsin Heights, and other congregations in Southern Wis.

During the 70s, Marlys went back to school and received her master’s degree from UW Madison. She taught with the Madison School District for over 20 years, including Sandburg Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Crestwood Elementary and Mendota Elementary. Vern and Marlys also served a four-year mission in Guam where Marlys taught first grade.

During their travels, they collected over 400 nativities from all over the world. Marlys was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a very positive person who always looked on the bright side. Marlys had a quiet strength with a nurturing spirit who was incredibly accepting and compassionate. She was an extraordinary person who always put her faith in God and family first. Marlys collected angels, and enjoyed rosemaling, a Norwegian art, and was a member of Gudrid, a Norwegian book club.

Marlys is survived by sons, Phillip Awes and Timothy (Catherine) Awes; grandchildren, Adrianna Awes, Marina Awes, and Aristotle Awes; sisters, Laurie Fossa and Pam Sadlo; brothers, Paul (Cheryl) Anderson and Peter (Diane) Anderson; brother-in-law, Mel (Sue) Awes; sister-in-law, Janice Awes; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by their son, Stephen Awes; her parents; a special aunt and uncle, Red and Pearl Long; and brothers-in-law, Ken (Theresa) Awes and Robert Awes.

Funeral services were held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Hwy AB, McFarland, April 8, 2017, with the Rev. Terry Peterson presiding. Burial was at Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Hope Lutheran Church, McFarland, St. James Lutheran Church, Verona, or your local Alzheimer's Association or ALS organization. Mom and Grandma, “You are muchly loved” and “We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” Condolences: gundersonfh.com.