Marlys Anderson

Marlys Jean Anderson, 80, a resident of Fergus Falls, went home to be with her Savior on Monday, October 22, 2007. She died of medical complications at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She was born July 5, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Olive and Arnold Ingebrigtson. World War II was the most significant event of the 20th century and those that encountered it firsthand had no choice but to be defined by it. The war was a life altering experience and everyone who lived through the war had their story. For many the euphoria of peace in 1945 was tempered by the loss of loved ones. Although the wounds heal, the scars never disappear. After Marlys' mother died at an early age, she moved to the Philippines with her brother Jerry and her dad. The memories that Marlys shared of that experience were heartbreaking. Marlys told of how she and her brother were to return to the United States by ship. She and Jerry stood on the deck of the ship and could see their dad waving goodbye with tears in his eyes. She was 14. That was the last time she would see her dad. Her father, Arnold, died in the Bataan Death March. Jack and Hillma Bartos, an aunt and uncle, adopted her infant brother John, and welcomed Marlys, Jerry and Oran into the family as their own. She graduated from Waubun High School. On June 20, 1948, she married the love of her life and her lifelong partner, Willard Anderson. Together they had three children, Kathy, Paul and Miles. They spent their married years in Fergus Falls where they started their business as the owners of Anderson Transfer and Storage (Allied Van Lines) until 1991. Marlys enjoyed tending her flowers, watching the birds in the birdbath, cooking for her family and visiting with her friends. She will be remembered for her smile and words of encouragement to everyone she spoke with. She found the good in everyone. She was preceded in death by her parents Olive and Arnold Ingebrigtson; her husband Willard Anderson; and her brothers John Bartos and Oran Ingebrigtson. Marlys will continue to live on in the cherished memories of those she left behind which includes her three children: Kathy (Kenneth) Irish, Paul (Pat) Anderson, and Miles Anderson (Laurie Mullen) all of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Shaun) Anderson, Todd Anderson, Dylan (Josie) Irish, Sarah (Justin) Freking, and Mark Irish; 7 great-grandchildren: Isaac, Luke, Cali, Carter, Emily, Gavan, and Jade; and her brother Jerry (Betty) Ingebrigtson of Waubun, MN. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m. Friday at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls Clergy:     Reverend Tom Gard Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com