Marlys Mae Anderson

Marlys Mae Anderson, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday August 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 79.

Marlys was born on February 28, 1947, at the hospital in Karlstad, Minnesota, to Arthur Nels and Eileen (Nelson) Lofberg. She was baptized on April 18, 1959, and confirmed on October 28, 1962, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. She attended school in St. Hilaire and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls with the Class of 1965. She continued her education at AVTI in Thief River Falls, graduating in 1966.

In the fall of 1968, Marlys met the love of her life, Francis Anderson. The couple was united in marriage on May 10, 1969, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Together they made their home in Thief River Falls, where they lovingly raised their three sons, Nathan, Jeremy, and Seth.

Marlys was a hardworking and dedicated woman who spent her career serving her community. She worked at several businesses in Thief River Falls, including Home Sweet Home, HD Floral, and most recently Walmart, where she had been employed since the store first opened. She was known for her caring nature, warm smile, and genuine kindness toward others.

Family was the center of Marlys' life. She loved spending time with those she cherished and took great pride in her children and grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoyed working puzzles and crosswords, reading, playing games, crafting, decorating, and tending to her flower gardens. Her creativity, patience, and loving spirit touched everyone who knew her.

A faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1969, Marlys devoted her time and talents to her church community and also served for a time as church secretary. Her faith remained an important foundation throughout her life.

Marlys is survived by her sons, Nathan (Renay) Anderson, Jeremy (Janna) Anderson, and Seth (Lisa) Anderson; grandchildren, Tyler, Brady, Olivia, Katie Mae, Evan, Carter, Odin, Oswin, and Oliver; brothers, Michael (Michele) Lofberg and Brian (Corrine "Cookie") Lofberg; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Lofberg; and many godchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis in 2020; parents, Arthur and Eileen Lofberg; sister, Pat (Ed) Stokke; and brothers, Duane Lofberg, Neil (Karon) Lofberg, Gary Lofberg, and Rodney (Elaine) Lofberg.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a prayer service at 6:00 PM. Rev. Stephanie White will officiate. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service and burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.

Marlys will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her strong faith, her caring heart, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.