Marlys Armstrong, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at the age of 87. A lifelong resident of the Cushing area, Marlys left a lasting impression on all who met her—with a spirit that was as strong and memorable as the farm she helped build.

Together with her husband Kenneth, Marlys worked side by side on the Armstrong Century Farm in Cushing, where they raised crops, children, and generations of memories. She took deep pride in the land and the life they cultivated together.

Marlys also had a heart for adventure. She traveled to Alaska to visit her daughter Tara, toured Scandinavia to connect with her family’s heritage, and enjoyed cruises and bus trips with Kenny, always savoring the journey as much as the destination.

In her later years, Marlys enjoyed the peace and independence of her “Granny Pod,” a small home built adjacent to Jodi’s, where she could be close to family while surrounded by nature. She especially loved watching the birds at Crex Meadows, where she found beauty and joy in the quiet rhythm of the natural world.

Though she may have left a very strong impression on some (and she’d be the first to laugh at that), those who knew Marlys best will remember her for her wit, her independence, her curiosity, and above all, her deep and unwavering love for her family.

Marlys is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Mark) Petzel, Tara (Jay) Yunker, Jill (Jeff Bohn), Armstrong and Jodi (Cary) Bergstrom; grandchildren, Lindsay Spindler, Katie Petzel, Emily Petzel, Haley Canik, Joshua Bohn, Grace Bergstrom, and Joseph Bohn; great-grandchildren, Morgan Anderson, Kenneth Canik, and Isaac Canik; sisters, Jean Flanigan and Marie McElwee and dear friend Karen Swenson, who brought her comfort and laughter through the years.

Marlys is preceded in death by her parents, Einar and Isabel Jorgensen; husband, Kenneth.

Memorials may be directed to Crex Meadows Wildlife Area in Grantsburg.

Last Update: Jun 19, 2025 7:16 am CDT