MARLYS JOY SAMUELSON STENBERG

MARLYS JOY SAMUELSON STENBERG Marlys Joy Samuelson Stenberg passed from death to eternal life by natural causes on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at her residence at Kingsley Shores in Lakeville, MN. She was 89 years old. Marlys was born at St. Ansgars Hospital, Moorhead, MN on December 23, 1935, during a blizzard, joining parents Alfred and Mildred Tehven Samuelson and brother Wayne, 9 years her senior. Marlys met her husband, Elmer Jerald Stenberg, at a favorite haunt, the Ada, MN roller rink. After graduation from Ada High School, Marlys and Elmer were married on September 19th, 1953 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada. Shortly after their nuptials, Elmer joined the United States Army and served from Feb. 18, 1954 until Feb. 17, 1956, at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. Marlys gave birth to Sandra Kay on November 13, 1954 at the Ft. McClellan Army Hospital. After Elmer's discharge, they moved back to Ada to work the family farm. Elmer and Marlys moved to International Falls, MN, the autumn after the birth of their second child, John David (June 21, 1961). After moving to Int'l Falls, they attended the FallsEvangelical Covenant Church. Marlys cherished her Christian faith and faith community, her activities and relationships deeply intertwined with the weekly rhythms of her church. Marlys' love of music was a life-long passion. An accomplished pianist and organist, she enjoyed sharing her gifts everywhere. Marlys was renowned for her home-baked goodies, breads, and hostessing skills. A proud 100% Swede, she took her coffee black, her treats sweet and offered her ever-open kitchen as a warm gathering place for constant drop-in visitors. Marlys' fun-loving nature made her a lively friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her wit and constant twinkle in her eye will be sorely missed. In 1999, she wrote in her Grandma's memory book, "Don't be afraid of trying new experiences especially while you're young. Then you'll have lots to write about in your own (Grandparent) book!)" And in regard to homework load, she wrote that she had "quite a bit, but I seldom let it interfere with fun!" She is survived by her two children, Sandra (Brent) Birdsall and John (Colene) Stenberg; her eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Scott) Fennell, Amy (Dan) Boal, Alec (Emily) Birdsall, Ike (Majo) Birdsall, Aleah (Eli) Johnson, Michael (Kaity) Stenberg, Daniel Stenberg, and Jessica (Anthony) Sester; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Lucy and Olivia Fennell; Everett, Arayla, Betsy, Lael, and Cece Boal; Anders, Greger, Nils, and Erik Birdsall; Ezra and Isaiah Stenberg. She is preceded in death by her husband Elmer; parents Alfred and Mildred Samuelson; and brother Wayne (Marceline) Samuelson. A memorial service and light lunch will be held at Riverside Church in Big Lake, MN on Monday, June 16 at 2 pm and a later summer interment service in Ada, MN. Cards may be mailed to: The Stenberg Family c/o Riverside Church20314 County Road 14 NWBig Lake, MN 55309. Memorials may be designated to: Minnesota Hospice Foundation(https://minnesotahospicefoundation.org/)17645 Juniper Path, Suite 155, Lakeville, MN 55044 The Gideons Int'lhttps://www.gideons.org/donate PO Box 140800,Nashville, TN 37214-0800