Marlys Dietrich, age 87 of Emmetsburg passed away on January 18th at West Bend Health and Rehabilitation. Funeral service will be Thursday, January 22nd at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 am until service time.
Marlys Jean Miller Dietrich was the best wife, mother, grandmother and friend a person could dream to have. She was unfailingly positive, caring, supportive and fun no matter the state of the early farmhouses she and her husband, James Dietrich, lived in, the number of cockleburs in the bean rows or the list of chores at hand. “At least there’s a breeze” was her motto. She turned on her 1,000-watt smile for every family member and friend she encountered, and when there was fun to be had with her family or her and James’ group of friends, she was all in.
Marlys could sew anything. She made many Homecoming, Prom and bridesmaid dresses, no matter how challenging the fabric or the style. She crafted, knitted baby caps and booties and sewing treasured teddy bears for many people using their lost loved ones’ shirts. She was also a great cook – just ask anyone who was lucky enough to get a piece of her meatloaf, apple crumb pie or holiday Bing bars. She missed gardening when she and James moved to Emmetsburg because of her love of fresh tomatoes, but she was always able to count on others to fulfill her tomato habit.
Marlys also loved serving her church. She served as president of the Lutheran Ladies of St. Paul Lutheran Church for several years and participated in numerous service activities.
Marlys was born in Early, Iowa, on May 25, 1938, to Edna (Christiansen) and Clarence Miller. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She attended school in Early, graduating in 1955. After attending Luther College, she taught school in Emmetsburg, Iowa. There she met the love of her life, James Dietrich, who felt the same way about her. They married at her country church on July 18, 1958, narrowly escaping a kidnapping of the bride thanks to a pair of handcuffs the couple borrowed from her uncle, a retired police officer. She retired from teaching to raise their three daughters.
Marlys was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Verlyn Miller and Joyce Miller. Cherishing her memory are her husband, James; daughters Laurie (Handy) Thompson, Barb (James) Boose and Janet (Randy) Thompson; and grandchildren Toby Handy, his wife, Kiley, and their son, Atlas; Jim Boose Jr. and wife Erin; Rachel Boose and fiancé Jamie Richards; Ethan Thompson and wife Emily; and Gable Thompson, as well as many beloved relatives and friends. Her family is grateful to all for their love and support.
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