Marlys Jean Minnich

Marlys Minnich, age 86, met her Savior on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at her home in Austin, Minnesota. The Lord brought to a close many decades of blessings. She was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandma, ggma, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. 

Marlys was born April 11, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Alvin and Hazel (Ingvalson) Cooling. 

On October 20, 1961, she was united in marriage to Max Minnich at the United Methodist Church in Grand Meadow, Minnesota. She held many jobs in the Austin community throughout her life, having worked at Hormel, Sears, The Old Mill, the Credit Bureau, and an Austin Public School. Marlys was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She belonged to UMW, Lansing Methodist Church, The American Legion, Senior Citizen Ramsey Golf Ladies, and three card clubs. 

Marlys's doctors at Mayo Clinic told her in her last months that she was in the top 1% of patients for having survived 8 cancers for over 19 years. Her journey was not without struggles, but Marlys approached each battle with grace and an unwavering belief in the power of hope through her faith in God. 

Marlys's legacy is one of love, creativity, and social gatherings. She was a lover of life, embracing her passions of heirloom quilting, artistic hand at painting, golfing, engaging in her Norwegian culture, playing cards with friends and family, community gatherings, caring for family and friends, dining out, traveling, and hanging out with her extended family at the Chauncey Apartments. 

Marlys's adventurous spirit led her to create many memories filled with fun and laughter with her husband, Max and with family and friends while traveling throughout the United States. Whether it was traveling to see friends or relatives, or just simply being winter snowbirds, she always loved to travel. 

She is survived by five children; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of friends and family who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Minnich; her son, Guy Minnich; her grandchildren, Andrea, Ashley, and Mackenzie; her father, Alvin Cooling; her mother, Hazel Cooling; her brothers, Donald Cooling and Roger Cooling; her sister, Shirley Hamburg; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ingvaldson and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cooling; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guy and Edna Minnich; and many other relatives. 

A special “Thank you” to the Mayo Clinic Hospice staff for their professionalism and heartfelt service. 

Rest in peace, dear Toots. Your light, love, and laughter will forever illuminate our lives. You will deeply be missed but never forgotten. Uffda! 

A memorial service for Marlys will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to service. Interment will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.