Marlys Ann Waddell

Marlys Ann Waddell, 91, longtime resident of Brainerd, passed away at her home – just like she wished -  on March 14, 2023. 

Marlys’ family will honor her wishes by holding a private celebration of her life.  Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Marlys was born December 6, 1931, in St. Peter, the daughter of Joseph and Laura Waddell.  Marlys grew up and went to school in St. Peter before attending Beauty School and earning her beautician license.  Her family moved to Brainerd. Marlys opened her own beauty shop called, “The Beauty Nook”, located on Front Street. Her father had a barber shop across the street called, “Joe’s Barber Shop”.  Marlys operated her shop for many, many years.  She was dedicated to her clients and even after she retired, she continued to help a few out of her home or theirs.  Her clients were much more than customers, they were her friends. Her family marveled at her decision to walk to and from work every day, whether rain, snow or sun.

Marlys was blessed with two brother who married and had children.  Those children were Marlys’ focus from then on.  She loved each of them dearly and never missed a birthday card with a special two-dollar bill inside. She enrolled her nieces into Sunday School at Trinity Lutheran Church and made sure they all attended with her for years.  Her church and church family were very important to Marlys. She also enrolled her nieces into dance class at very young ages (and carried this tradition on with her great nieces as well). She absolutely loved to watch them dance.  She even made the trips out of state to their events.  You could say, Marlys spoiled her nieces, but they didn’t mind, and they truly loved spending time with her – she was full of fun and laughter.

Marlys’ family had a cabin on North Long Lake, where the whole family gathered every weekend all summer long. She made sure to decorate her house for each holiday and it was always so festive. Marlys was an enthusiastic Minnesota Vikings fan and each year picked her favorite (a.k.a. cutest) player.  She got used to being let down at the end of year and rallied by the beginning of the next season.  Marlys also liked traveling, especially going back to St. Peter to visit with family. One of her favorite vices was Carlo Rossi Rhine Wine.  She LOVED it.  And although she tried, she only convinced a few of us to like.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Laura; brothers, Joe “Buzz” and Tad; and sisters-in-law, Arlene and Laurel.  She is survived by her three nieces (all of Brainerd), Roxanne (Joe Logan) and her children:  Jordan, Abby, and Taylor Korchari; Natalie (Tony) Goble, and their children: Justin Goble, Joshua (Sara) Goble, and Marissa (AJ) Franzen; Wendy (Steve) Smolke and their children: Christopher Smolke, Nathan (Laura) Smolke, and Jenni (Pat) Donnelly; nephew, Ruxton (Maryann) Waddell, of New Mexico; niece (of Manitou Springs, CO), Tonya (Greg) DiFiore and their children, Alex DiFiore and Savanna (Anthony) Anstedet; and great-great-nieces and nephews (because she adored them!), Atika, Kennidi, and Castor Goble; Talan and Taytum Goble; Aiden Korchari; Bella Johnson; Lucy, Mille, and Hank Franzen; Asher and Brooks Smolke; Eastyn Donnelly; and Noah and Ben Anstedt.  She will also be missed by her good friends (whom she adored) that moved in next door years ago – The Manninens:  Todd and Colleen and their children, Kate Marlys and Nik. 

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