Marlys Jean Henry

Rock Rapids, Iowa

     Marlys Henry age 80, of Rock Rapids, Iowa died Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, due to Covid-19 complications.

     Funeral service will be 1:30 PM, Monday, January 4^th at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, with Pastor Tim Poferl officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

     Public visitation will be Sunday, January 3^rd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Social distancing guidelines will be followed, and family will not be present.

     Marlys Jean Henry was born September 29, 1940 in Luverne, Minnesota, the daughter of Arlo and Marian (Loger) Gertz. She was raised on a farm south of Luverne, MN and attended country school. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1957. After her education she moved to Sioux Falls, SD and lived with her grandmother. During this time, she worked as a waitress and there she met her husband to be, Max Henry.

     Marlys was united in marriage to Max Henry on June 1, 1963 at the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids, IA. Together they made their home in Rock Rapids, IA and she worked at Lyon County State Bank as a bookkeeper/teller. Marlys and Max were blessed with two children, Michele and Mark. During this time she stayed at home raising her children and providing bookkeeping for her husband’s business, Max’s Electric. She also managed the concession stand at Rapid Speedway for many years.

     Marlys and Max were member of the United Methodist Church. She also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, fishing and camping. She especially enjoyed family gatherings.

     In 2005 Marlys retired but remained active with various community activities. On March 23, 2007 Marlys’s husband Max died at the age of 69. She continued to stay active following her grandchildren’s activities. She recently tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and was hospitalized on December 23^rd. She died this past Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the age of 80.

     She is survived by her two children, Michele (Gaylen) Kelderman of Maurice, IA and Mark (Carol) Henry Rock Rapids, IA; three grandchildren, Joshua (Katie) Kelderman of Sioux Center, IA, Lilly and Jaya Henry of Rock Rapids, IA; three great-grandchildren, Madison, Max and Michael Kelderman of Sioux Center, IA; two sisters-in-law, Connie (Mike) Harris of Cedar Falls, IA and Marilyn Henry of Webster City, IA; a brother-in-law, Bob (Nancy) Henry of Bloomington, IN; a special friend, Vicki Borman of Rock Rapids, IA; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

    She was preceded in death by her parents, Arlo and Marian Gertz; husband of 43 years, Max H. Henry; parents-in-law, Richard and Lillian Henry; and brother-in-law, Donald Henry.