Marlys J. Wood

Marlys J. Wood, age 72, of Storm Lake, Iowa died September 11, 2025 in Storm Lake.

Funeral services will take place Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Caring Paws Rescue or Lake Animal Hospital in Storm Lake, Iowa. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Marlys Jane Wood was born on September 3, 1953 to Gerald Clinton Wood and Vera Leone (Birch) Wood.

Marlys graduated from Storm Lake High School and attended Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls for two years in 1973. She worked for EF Johnson (CB radio) in Clear Lake for four years and Sperry Univac (computers) for 14 years in Clear Lake. Marlys moved to Early, then to the family farm where she cared for her parents when they were ill. Later she volunteered daily at the North Lake Manor in Storm Lake for six years. She really enjoyed meeting the people.

Marlys was a member of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake since 1964. She had many hobbies such as gardening, knitting, taking pictures, cookies, coin collecting, and puzzle books. She also watched “Days of Our Lives” since the 60’s.

Her enjoyment was her cats through the years. Marlys loved living in the country. She went on several family trips and a band trip to Canada. The holidays were always special at Christmas time and Marlys always looked forward to her mom’s saffron bread. She is most remembered for being kind to friends and animals. Marlys was so grateful for her special friends for support and just being there.

Marlys is survived by her brother, Bill Wood of Galva, Iowa and his family, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Vera.

Marlys wrote her own obituary and did a fine job.  But, what she didn't tell you is what a warm and caring woman she was.  She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary, there was always a card and a thoughtful, handwritten note that came from the heart.  Cards filled with so much joy at being included and being made to feel like family, arriving before a holiday gathering, knowing there would be good natured ribbing, and she was not exempt.  But, she too had a wonderful dry sense of humor that seemed to come out of nowhere and made everyone dissolve in peals of laughter.  She discovered a wine she loved and we made sure we always had it on hand!  She never drank a lot but did enjoy it!  She loved to see a new appetizer, do a taste test and was so interested in the recipe. She loved to try new recipes.  She would remember others on holidays, before surgeries, anything big where they might need to be gone from work or perhaps housebound for a short time, with a little "goodie bag”, and a thoughtful "just thinking of you". She had a huge heart.  One the rest of us can only strive to emulate.  If you had her in your life, you were richer for that.  We will miss her terribly, for there will never be another quite like her. Rest in peace.

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