Service Information
Marlys J. Anderson, age 90, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Friday, February 21, 2025, 1:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery, Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be one hour prior to the service at the chapel.
Obituary
Marlys Jean Anderson made her surprise appearance 15 minutes before her identical twin sister, Marilyn Jane Tersteeg, at home in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, on April 12, 1934, to parents, Chester E. Fischer and Loretta (King) Fischer. To add to the surprise, it was also their Mother's birthday, and they were expecting a boy. Ten years later, a baby sister, Barbara Ann Wenz, was added to the family.
The twins were baptized by Rev. R.R. Werner, and later confirmed in the Evangelical Church, now known as the United Methodist Church, by Rev. I.E. Kottke.
It wasn't until their graduation from Buffalo Lake High School in 1952, that they separated and started to develop their own individual personalities and lives.
Marlys was married to Glenn Dettmann in 1956 in El Paso, Texas, while he was serving in the Army. They were later divorced. On May 7, 1983 Marlys and Dr. Chester A. Anderson were married. They made their home in Hector, and then Hutchinson, until his passing in Florida on February 28, 1996. Marlys continued to live in their home until she passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
In her younger years, Marlys enjoyed reading, playing piano and organ, knitting, and dancing. She also had a membership at the Health Club for 20 years, and for many years, spent winters in Florida. During her working years, she worked in the medical field as a secretary and also in the Superintendent of School’s office and kept the books for the school district, first in Buffalo Lake and then in Hector. Putting her secretarial duties aside, Marlys and Doc became the owners of the Victorian Inn…expressing kindness to all. Having no children of her own, she felt her calling was to help those who were near and dear to her. She will be greatly missed for her concern for others
To a life well lived. Blessed be her memory. May her spirit live on forever in our hearts.
Marlys is survived by her:
Niece, Sherry Ann (Wenz) Helget and her husband, Bryan, of Comfrey, Minnesota and their children, Heather Leopold and children, Kayla and Andrea of New Ulm, Minnesota; Alysia Moldaschel and her husband, Joe, and their sons, Connor and Bradley, of New Ulm, Minnesota; and twins, Tyler and Shane Helget of Comfrey, Minnesota;
Nephew, Scott Wenz and his wife, Brooke of Faribault, Minnesota;
Brother-in-law, Allen Wenz, of Faribault, Minnesota.
Marlys was preceded in death by her Parents, Chester and Loretta Fischer; Husband, Dr. Chester Anderson; Sister, Barbara Wenz; Twin Sister, Marilyn Tersteeg and her husband, Dan; Nephew, Joel Tersteeg.
Pat Chapman says
I wish I would have known Marlys for longer. She was really nice person who deserved more enjoyment in her life especially in the last year. My prayers for her peaceful rest. God bless
Ben Jenum says
I will never forget this. I met Marlys in a cemetery as she was watering flowers over the grave of her husband. What started as a simple “hello” in passing, became a story I won’t soon forget. She told me an incredible story of survival, and really bonded over it. She revealed that we had mutual friends that we were both close to. This was right before I left for college. We began writing letters to each other from time to time over the years, and were always happy for a chance to catch up. One of my biggest regrets now is not being in touch more often. I wish her and her family peace, and am glad she is now with the husband she loved so much.
Randy jurgenson says
Marlys was a very special person who lived a good laugh. I knew her for many years and was blessed with her company.
Dr. Randy Jurgenson
Dwane Bucklin and Brett and Chanda Williams and family says
Marlys was a life long friend of our family. She was a wonderful neighbor in Buffalo Lake and in Hutchinson. We have many beautiful memories of Marlys and our deepest condolences to her family.
James Hess says
Marlys was a very special person. She was one of a kind, and truly a blessing to many people. To my family she was a loving surrogate mother and grandmother. My three sons and I will miss her greatly. I was blessed to have Marlys in my life for the past 30 years. Her last year was rough, but she handle it with strength, dignity, and class, and she kept fight right to the end. We were all so proud of her. Now she truly is the angel she was to so many people here in this realm. Until we meet again.
Barb says
I knew her from the Vic when they owned it. But more recently when I visited the cemetery and my daughter’s grave. She shared with me how she’d go everyday to dust her husband’s stone and make sure everything was just so… Such a lovely lady.
Jeremy Watzke says
I worked at the Victorian Inn for 14 years and Doc and Marlys were wonderful people who cared about each and every one of us. After Doc passed Marlys was still always there for anyone in need. May she rest in peace.
Mike McGraw says
Marlys was a wonderful conversationalist. If she was on my calendar for an hour, I would change it to two hours and we usually didn’t have a problem filling that time up. We would do our normal catch up on each other’s life and then who knows what we would talk about, usually whatever was in the news at the time. The two hours would fly by. She will be missed by me and the countless people who had the chance to strike up a conversation with her. God’s peace to her family.
Maurisun Hess says
Maryls was more than a friend, she was like family in every way that mattered. Even though we were not bound by blood, she took me in as if I were her own grandchild, showing me a kindness and love that I will cherish forever. She was one of the most kind hearted people I have ever known, truly a special soul whose warmth and generosity touched everyone around her. I was blessed to have her in my life, and her presence will be forever missed. Though she may no longer be with us, the love and care she shared will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her.
Rest in peace Maryls, you were loved beyond words.
Maisun Hess says
Marlys was more than a family friend she was like a grandmother to me. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support made every moment spent with her special. She had a way of making everyone feel loved, always ready with a comforting word, a warm hug, or a heartfelt laugh. Her wisdom and generosity touched my family and I and every moment we shared will always be cherished. Though she may no longer be with us, her love and spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
Josh Jakobitz says
Our deepest condolences. Marlys was a wonderful person. We sat next to each other in July 2024 at my grandmother’s funeral in Willmar. She lifted my spirits with small talk and inside stories that day.
Jim & Donna Mills says
Marlys was our neighbor for many years in Hutchinson and spent many hours visiting in our driveways or at the health club. She was always friendly and a pleasure to be around. May she Rest In Peace.