Marlys Brink

Marlys Brink, age 89 of Sibley, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025, at Osceola Senior Living in Sibley, Iowa.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, with Reverend Brian Carpenter officiating.

A private family interment will follow lunch and fellowship after the funeral service.

Public visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, Iowa.

Marlys Brink was born on October 17, 1936, in Sibley, IA, the daughter of Ben and Fannie (Kruse) Van Briesen. Marlys was raised on a farm near Rock Rapids, IA. She attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1954. She then went on to receive a two-year teaching degree in 1956 from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, and taught for several years in Harris and Little Rock, Iowa.

On December 21, 1957, Marlys married Marion Brink of Hospers, IA, at the Salem Reformed church in Little Rock, and to this union two children were born. She and Marion moved to Sibley in 1959 when Marion accepted a job with the Sibley Community Schools.

Marlys was a member of the First Reformed Church of Sibley and was a member of the Quilters Group and Willing Hands. She also did volunteer work at Village Greenhouse in Sheldon. She enjoyed flowers, morning coffee with her friends, and spending time outdoors.

Marlys is survived by her son Steven (Monica) Brink of Sanborn, IA; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Brenda) Breuer of Eldora, IA; Alissa (Brandon) Rhodes of Walla Walla, WA; Chelsea (Ethan Gillmore) Smolke of Maple Valley, WA; and Kara (Drew Bye) Smolke of Maple Valley, WA; also great-grandchildren, Brody, Rhett, Jameson, Mallory, and Aubrie; a sister, MarJean (Jerry) Stubbe of Rock Rapids and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter, Marisa Smolke.