Marlys Gwendolyn Kleven was born January 12, 1934, in Lakota, ND, the daughter of Carl and Selma (Kilen) Kleven. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1952.

On June 22, 1968, Marlys was united in marriage to Clayton Eugene Johnsrud. Together, they raised Marla, Vicki, Kenneth, and Randy on the original Johnsrud Family Farm in Star Township, Pennington County, MN.

Marlys worked hard throughout her life. Prior to her marriage, she worked as a celery fieldworker, telephone operator, civil drafting technician in St. Louis County, baker, seamstress, and Sunday school teacher. After marrying Clayton, she served her community as an election judge and census taker, all while working alongside Clayton on their small grain, dairy, and beef farm.

Marlys found great joy in gardening, cross-stitching, quilting, crocheting, embroidery, knitting, sewing, baking, reading, and spending time with her wonderful family. She deeply enjoyed sharing the knowledge she gained through her reading and life experiences, and she loved sharing life stories with those around her.

As a faithful member of Ekelund Lutheran Church, she was highly active in the Ladies Aid and the Quilters Guild.

Survivors include her husband, Clayton of Goodridge, MN; her children: Vicki Arleen Lind of Goodridge, MN, Kenneth Arthur (Jane) Lind of Litchfield, MN, and Randel Clayton (Erica) Johnsrud of Bemidji, MN; son-in-law, Roger Nelson; grandchildren: Miranda (Dustin) Carlson, Troy Nelson, Jennifer Dahlstrom, Jon Dahlstrom, Jesse Fulton, Emily Lind, Erin (Zac) Pauly, Victoria (Greg) Nowosatka, Rachel Johnsrud, and Felicity "Lici" Johnsrud; great-grandchildren: Marla, Austin, Emma (Diego), Noah, McKayla, Michael, Matias, Maddox, Daniel, Madison, Benjamin, Kathrine, Sparrow, Raviyn, Dominic, and Claire; sister, Helen Mobraaten; brother-in-law, Roger Newinski; and many other relatives and friends.

Marlys is also survived by her chosen children, Tony and Laura Rubischko, and their children: Joe (Pam), Andy, Sarah, and Otto (Michelle); their grandchildren (the "greats"): Carson, Evan, Gavin, Lincoln, Cameron, Charlotte, and Olivia; as well as special friends Gene and Renae Marquis, and Elva Fiedler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Marla Gene Nelson; her siblings: Sylvia Newinski, Robert (Karen) Kleven, Lawrence (Carol) Kleven, and Carl (Grace) Kleven, Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Robert Mobraaten.

Marlys Gwendolyn Johnsrud, of Goodridge, MN, passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 13 days.

Marlys will be remembered for her unwavering faith, hardworking spirit, caring heart, and the love she freely shared with family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the wisdom she imparted, and the family she cherished.

Visitation will begin at Noon with the service to celebrate Marlys’s life at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Ekelund Lutheran Church, rural Goodridge, MN with Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will be held at Ekelund Church Cemetery.