Marlyn "Marly" Andresen

Marlyn “Marly” Andresen, 77, of Clara City, died Sunday, June 14 at Cura of Willmar. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 23 at Bethany Church in Clara City. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday and one hour prior to the service all at Bethany Church. Burial will be at the church cemetery. A livestream of the service can be found on Bethany Churches Facebook page. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Clara City.

Marlyn Sidney Andresen was born on August 2, 1948, to Egbert and Marian (Aalfs) Andresen in Willmar, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm near Clara City where he attended school, graduating from Clara City High School in 1966.

On April 5, 1968, Marly was united in marriage to Erma Bulthuis at Bethany Church in Clara City. Together they were blessed with five children: Colleen, Bridget, Derek, Gretchen, and Chris. They lived in Maynard and eventually made their home on the family farm near Clara City, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming.

Marly spent most of his career farming and took great pride in caring for the land. In addition to farming, he drove school bus, worked at Vreeman Construction, and later with Cenex. Though he eventually stepped away from full-time farming, he never truly retired and could still be found helping in the fields during planting and harvest seasons with Condon Farms.

A faithful member of Bethany Church, Marly served as both an elder and deacon. He was also active in his community, serving on the Cenex board and the local school board. He was a member of the Lions Club and enjoyed spending time at Hawk Creek Country Club in Raymond.

Marly enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and camping, but his greatest joy was his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s activities and took great pride in being involved in their lives. Marly also cared deeply in helping guide his children in their Christian faith and values.

Marly is survived by his loving wife, Erma; children: Colleen (Jeremy) Somnis, Bridget Meyer, Gretchen Jeseritz, and Chris (Melissa) Andresen; 17 grandchildren: Carly, Nicole, Riley, Connor, Aiden, and Brady Somnis; Isaac and Levi Meyer; Ashlynne (Michael) Utermoehl; Tori Jeseritz, Hailey (Caleb) Runge, and Ivy Jeseritz; Lewis, Cori, and Barrett Foley; and Hadley and Graclyn Andresen; two great-grandchildren, Haven Utermoehl and Raelynn Runge; and brothers, Ronnie (Barb) Andresen and Jerry (Colleen) Andresen.

He was preceded in death by his son, Derek Andresen, and his parents, Egbert and Marian Andresen.

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