In Loving Memory of

Marlys Ann (Lund) Behrmann (1946 – 2024)

Marlys Ann (Lund) Behrmann, age 76, passed away on August 26, 2024, in Waconia, Minnesota. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Marlys was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Behrmann, and her parents, Marlowe and Margarette Lund. She is survived by her sister, Fran Lund of Lakewood, CO; her children, Michelle (Mark) Frommelt of Shorewood, MN, Todd Behrmann, and Bryce (Meghan) Behrmann of Rockford, MI; and her grandchildren, Ryan, Megan, Shawn, Aaron Frommelt, Elliott, and Ruth Behrmann.

Marlys was born in Mobridge, South Dakota, to Marlowe and Margarette (Trager) Lund. She grew up on the family farm outside of Mobridge and later moved with her mother and sister to the town to attend school. She graduated from Mobridge High School and went on to earn her cosmetology license from Stewart School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen, SD.

In her early career, Marlys worked at Franklyn's Salon in McIntosh, SD. On September 14, 1968, she married Gary Behrmann in Morristown, SD. In 1970, they moved to the Black Hills, where they raised their three children. In 1974, Marlys opened her own salon in their family home, allowing her to balance her career with family life. After 20 years in cosmetology, she transitioned to the role of Register of Deeds at the Meade County Courthouse, where she found joy in serving her community and where her loquacious nature allowed her to stay in daily contact with friends and neighbors.

Marlys generously shared her creativity with those around her. Whether it was ceramics, crocheted gifts, candle making, or festive decorations, her handmade treasures were cherished by everyone who received them. She especially loved Halloween, crafting costumes and treats for her children and later her grandchildren.

A passionate cook, Marlys enjoyed experimenting with new recipes and presenting her dishes with artistic flair. Her creations—from molded mints to fruit pizzas—were as beautiful as they were delicious.

In 1997, at the age of 50, Marlys suffered a massive stroke that robbed her of mobility and, most devastatingly, her rapid verbal pace, which was the envy of all but the best auctioneers. Despite this setback, Marlys' gregarious personality shone through as she developed novel communication techniques. She often used phrases like "you kids" when she was entertained, "honey, honey" to get her point across and would give an eye roll along with "uff da" when she was less than impressed. However, her welcoming smile, desire to create, and love for her family never faded.

Despite her positive outlook and desire to be helpful, the effects of the stroke necessitated a move to a long-term care facility in Minnesota in 2017, allowing her to be closer to her daughter, Michelle. This change was a hard one, but it enabled her to participate in family holidays, spend precious time with her grandchildren, and attend their activities, which brought her great joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on June 18th at the Morristown Cemetery, with a luncheon following at Dakota Countryside Inn, Watauga, SD.