Marlys Martinson (Rathke) 

Marlys Mae Martinson (née Rathke), 91, transcended this world peacefully on August 8, 2025, at her assisted living home in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

Born to Albert and Selma Rathke on September 27, 1933, Marlys cultivated a life-long love of learning and graduated from Litchfield High School. 

She worked at several local businesses as a young woman and achieved a 30-year career as a telephone operator in Litchfield and Minneapolis. 

In 1959 she married Marvin Martinson and settled in Minneapolis, where they welcomed sons Wayne (1962) and Kevin (1963). 

Marlys especially relished nature, art, pets, gardening, health topics, the Lawrence Welk Show, televised figure skating, dark chocolate, and the Minnesota State Fair. 

She is remembered for her kindness, wit, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family. Marlys will live on forever in our hearts and minds. 

Marlys and Marvin enjoyed living at ReaLife Cooperative in Bloomington for nearly two decades. They spent their last years in Minneapolis and Bloomington at assisted living locations.  

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents and husband Marvin. 

She is survived by siblings Jerry (Kathy) of Hutchinson, MN, Don (Bonnie) of Litchfield, MN, and Ardelle of Peoria, AZ, son Wayne (Mamie) of Minneapolis, MN, son Kevin (Kristine) of St. Paul, MN, sister-in-law Mardelle “Mardi” of Bloomington, MN, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  

Her memorial service will be held on September 12, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, 703 S Sibley Ave, Litchfield, MN. Visitation held at 10:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM and an 12:00 PM Interment at Lake Ripley Cemetery. The family wishes to welcome you to a luncheon at First Lutheran church after the Interment, to share stories, community and smiles as we honor Marlys, a woman who meant so much to so many.