Marlys Caroline (Nordhorn) Ruesink, age 90, of Cherry Grove, Minn., passed away peacefully at her home on October 31, 2025.
Born on August 27, 1935, in Wykoff, Minn., to William and Linda (Jeche) Nordhorn, Marlys attended school in Wykoff and later married her husband of 69 years, Donovan Ruesink, on October 19, 1952. Together they built a family rooted in commitment, kindness, and the daily rhythm of farm life.
Marlys spent some time working at Waters Conley and in the kitchen at Spring Valley Care Center, but her proudest work was that of farm wife, homemaker, mother and grandmother. Organized and dependable, she kept a home that was warm and well-run. No one ever left hungry, or without answering many, many questions about how they were doing. She was a steady presence in her children and grandchildren’s lives – showing her love in simple, lasting ways – warm meals, clean laundry on the line, a cookie jar that was never empty, and a place at the table for anyone who walked through the door.
She loved dancing – especially to a good German polka – and found joy in simple things: a tidy house, a full refrigerator, a well-set table, and her family around her. She adored her family and followed their lives closely.
Marlys is survived by her four children: David Ruesink, Diane (Bill) Wojtkiewicz, Danae (Dave) Gaio, and Danny (Kristi) Ruesink; two brothers, Arlyn (Freda) Nordhorn and Garry (Penny) Nordhorn; six grandchildren: Christa (Joe) LoPresto, Lindsey (Matthew) Olson, Marissa (Josh) Bazey, Brody Ruesink, Jayme (Kyle) Cochran, and Brooke (Troy) Gilbertson; 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donovan, her parents, her infant son, her cousin and best friend Janice Vreeman, and many other loved ones.
Marlys will be remembered by the traditions she passed down, the home she made, and the generations who were blessed to be loved by her. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial will take place later this month and Marlys will be laid to rest at the Cherry Grove Cemetery.
arlyn nordhorn says
For some reason, I felt compelled to come and see my MN Family, the family I last saw 10 years ago. I was very surprised how much Marlys has changed since I last saw her, however, she was very able to have an engaged conversation and to fully express her love for her family. During my last visit with Marlys we were able to say The Lords Prayer together. Marlys passed two days later after I had returned home. In retrospect, a very interesting period of events. I must say how impressed that I was in the care and loved shown to my sister by her children and their family. Arlyn.
arlyn nordhorn says
For some reason, I felt compelled to come and see my MN Family, the family I last saw 10 years ago. I was very surprised how much Marlys has changed since I last saw her, however, she was very able to have an engaged conversation and to fully express her love for her family. During my last visit with Marlys we were able to say The Lords Prayer together. Marlys passed two days later after I had returned home. In retrospect, a very interesting period of events. I must say how impressed that I was in the care and loved shown to my sister by her children and their spose. Arlyn.
Donna Mae (Jeche) Hintze says
Marlys was a very accepting cousin of mine. Her mom and dad lived next door to me so we saw a lot of her growing up. I dance in TX all the time so when I read that in her obituary it made me laugh, confirmation I was raised that way
You will be missed by all of us Marlys. Thanks for always blessing others.
Sharon Christianson says
Thinking of you! Hugs!!
Love, Sharon & Allen