Marlys M. Wordell

Marlys Mae Wordell, aged 82, was received into the loving arms of her Savior on the morning of February 9, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Marlys was born to Alvin and Myrtle (Wolter) Schmidt of Morrison, Wisconsin, on May 1, 1942. She was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on May 17, 1942, at Zion Lutheran Church in Morrison and promised faithfulness to the Lord at her confirmation on March 25, 1956. She married David Wordell on June 22, 1963, and their union was blessed with a son Brad and a daughter Brenda. 

Marlys was a “people person.” She loved interacting with and serving her customers, first as a waitress and then for 20+ years at Shopko. She played an integral part in the start-up and success of her daughter’s store, The Bulk-Priced Food Shoppe. She also worked as a caregiver in people’s homes and as a food sampler. 

Marlys expressed her love to family members with personal gifts, including handmade tree skirts, afghans, and quilts. She enjoyed hosting parties with delicious food; she was “famous” for her grape meatballs, calico beans, deviled eggs, and caramel bars. Throughout their married life, David and Marlys were blessed with many faithful friends, especially at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Green Bay and in their card club. 

Marlys was preceded in death by her husband Dave; by her parents and Dave’s parents, Alfred and Ruth Wordell; and by her brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Marlene Schmidt. She is survived by her son Brad (Andrea) Wordell and her daughter Brenda (Robert) Hungerford; by eight grandchildren: Adam (Laura) Hungerford, Brianna (Nick) Wilson, Benjamin Wordell, Aaron (Jordyn) Hungerford, Jonathan (Claire) Wordell, Seth Wordell, Hannah (Evan) Swiontek, and Josiah Wordell; by two great-grandsons, James Hungerford and Elijah Wilson; and by many relatives and friends. 

A celebration of Marlys’ life, especially the gracious gifts she received from the Lord, will be held at Riverview Lutheran Church in Appleton on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:30 am, with Rev. Timothy Wagner officiating. Visitation at the church begins at 9:30 am until the time of service. Memorial gifts may be made to Riverview Lutheran Church. The family is thankful for the loving support of family and friends and for the pastors at Riverview.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on” (Revelation 14:13).