Marlys L. Fischer

Marlys Lillian Fischer, 96, of Owatonna, went home to Heaven to be with her "Precious Lord", Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato.
Marlys was born April 2, 1929, in Sibley, Iowa. She was the daughter of Harvey and Kate (Kruger) Johns. She grew up and attended school in Sibley and often liked sharing the story of riding her painted horse Molly bareback to school. With self-determination, she taught herself to read music notes and with her mom's help at age seven she learned to play the piano.
Marlys spotted a handsome young man with auburn hair in a Sunday church service. Her brother Kenneth suggested to John they go on a double date. John and Marlys quickly fell in love, and she affectionately called him Johnny. She was united in marriage to John J. Fischer, on March 25, 1947, in Tyler, MN, and the couple then farmed together in Lake Benton. Marlys and Johnny welcomed a daughter, Linda, who was their pride and joy. After a few moves, they settled in Luverne for several years, where they continued farming together and Johnny worked at IBP. In 1981, they moved to Owatonna where they both worked at Pillsbury College. She was a library assistant there until her retirement in 1994.
As a young adult the Lord drew her to Him after hearing a message at church, and she made the most important decision to put her faith and trust in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. There she began her faith journey and spent each morning reading His word and praying for those in her life. She began playing the organ and piano and often sang with Johnny in church. Marlys cherished her faith, husband, daughter, her three grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with her extended family.
Before moving to their condo she loved gardening, traveling, and many projects with Johnny. You could always catch her reading a myriad of books but the most important, her Bible. She loved playing hymns on the piano and bird watching. Whether it was movie night, playing cards or dice with friends and family, that time was filled with fun and laughter. It was mentioned many times how thankful she was for her neighbor Shirley and how she treasured their friendship. Always amazed with neighbor Fred's eagle eye skill with puzzles and grateful for all Jeff's help and encouragement.
Marlys is survived by her daughter, Linda (John) Meinerts of Owatonna; three grandchildren: Stacy (John) Schmidt of Owatonna, Mike (Shari) Meinerts of Mantorville, and Andrea Bailey of Owatonna; seven great-grandchildren: Alex, Alyssa, and Austin Schmidt, Kylie and Madelyn Meinerts, and Dj and Mariah Bailey, one sister-in-law, Annamae Fischer and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2009; two brothers, Duane and Kenneth; and her parents, Harvey and Kate Johns.
Visitation will be Monday, December 29, 2025, from 10-noon at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A private interment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.