Marlys Jane Koeckeritz passed away peacefully at Care Suites of Edina on June 4, 2026.

She was born on July 19, 1938, in Ortonville, MN. to the parents of Raymond and Ilene (Bonn) Brandt. She graduated from Big Stone City High School, Big Stone City, SD with the class of 1956. She continued her education to be a rural schoolteacher and taught at Alban township #6 near Milbank, SD.

Marlys married Clifford Koeckeritz on June 9, 1957, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Big Stone City, SD. They made their first homes in Sherman, TX, and Moorhead, MN, and then moved to Owatonna, MN in 1961. She was a homemaker for their children and did bookkeeping for their business, Cliff’s Auto Service. For a second career after retirement Marlys worked at A Plus Sew and Vac as an educator.

Through the years, Marlys was very involved in her church, participating in ladies’ groups, choir and was a Sunday School teacher. She was a leader for the Future Citizens 4-H club for many years, and in 1979 was named 4-H leader of the year. Marlys also served on the Havana Township board for 10 years as a clerk.

Marlys’ enjoyment in life was sewing, teaching others to sew, gardening, flowers, canning, freezing and baking her special buns for the grandchildren. Most important was the love for her family and the Lord. She enjoyed old church hymns and old country music.

Marlys is survived by children, Bruce (Julie) Koeckeritz, JoAnn (Carl) Amy, Janis (Jim) Pfeifer, and Craig (Priscilla) Koeckeritz; grandchildren, Jamie (Justin) Rosin, Steven (Kelsey) Pfeifer, Crystal (Ryan) Prestegard, Brent Koeckeritz, Taylor (Zac) McCloud and Cedric Arny (Olivia Williamson), Mitchell (Chelsea Hamm), Alex (Steph Church), and Benjamin Koeckeritz; great-granddaughters, Meredith, Ellie, Paisley, Eva, Grace and Charlotte; great-grandsons, Alexey, Noah and Skyelar; brother, Jim (Linda) Brandt; sisters-in laws, Cheryle Vold, Karen (Colin) Tilbury, Pat (Rob) Brown, Pam (Joe) Streich and many other relatives and friends.

Marlys was preceded in death by her love of her life of 60 years, Clifford Koeckeritz; and her parents.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 2pm. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service from 1 pm to 2 pm with social time following the service. A private family interment service will be held at a later date.

Memorials will be designated to the facilities that provided her with excellent spiritual care, physical care and love during her final years.