Obituary of Marlys Mildred Riedesel

Marlys Mildred Riedesel – wonderful mother, beloved grandmother, master quilter, lifelong learner, good cook, woman of faith – died May 3, 2023

Born March 3, 1938 to Mabelle and Earnest Hansen, Marlys grew up in Robbinsdale, MN.  Her Minnesotan of Norwegian heritage upbringing was marked by lutefisk, lefse, and enrollment at St. Olaf College.  She transferred to the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a Home Economics major in 1960.  Marlys met Henry Kent Riedesel at a college camp in Lake Geneva, WI.  They married June 18, 1960.  With children Peter and Kristin in tow, they moved to Plymouth, MN in 1970 where Marlys lived in the family home up to the end.

Marlys was employed as a teacher, sewing instructor, and freelance quilter.  A wizard with the sewing machine, she made her own clothes for many years and crafted masterful bed and wall hanging quilts, many instigating quite the bidding war at fundraisers.

Her faith journey was central to her life, exemplified by her membership in the Seekers Group at Wayzata Community Church for many years.

Marlys is survived by her two children, four grandchildren – Andrea, Erin, Luke, and Matthew, two great grandchildren – Lilly and Ava, son-in-law Jeff, daughter-in-law Lujan, and cousin Bruce Hansen.

A memorial service will be held for her on Friday, September 15, 11 am @ Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391.