Marlys Ann Miinch

Marlys Ann Miinch, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Sarasota, FL, on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Marlys entered this world on May 23, 1937, a beautiful spring day on the plains of Rugby, North Dakota. Her parents, Oswald and Alice Tofte, raised their only child to be a good Lutheran girl. Marlys was that, and so much more! She lived a long, full, and joyous life. Touching many along the way as she ventured from North Dakota and eventually retiring in Florida, Marlys was a memorable person, one who both impressed and inspired. She was an excellent hugger who enthusiastically entered the homes of family and friends with a voluminous, “Helloooo!” She was smart and silly, regal and rascally, stubborn and sublime, all at the same time, which is better than being good, of course. Marlys graduated from Minot State University (formerly Minot State Teachers College). Her spirit of adventure and love of theater led her towards the New York area, where she taught high school in Bound Brook, New Jersey. There she soon met a handsome scientist named Robert Bruce Miinch, and on August 2, 1959, they both said, “I do,” which soon led to the birth of four wonderful daughters - Kristi, Karen, Lisa and Marlys. The family moved several times due to Bob’s career with DuPont - Niagara Falls, NY; Lewiston, NY; Glen Mills, PA; Clear Lake City, TX; Orange, TX; and finally, their retirement home in Sarasota, FL. She and Bob had many sailing adventures during their marriage, including a memorable voyage from Port Arthur, TX to Sarasota, FL. They enjoyed traveling together and were blessed with several memorable trips before Bob’s passing in 1999. His passing was a grievous event for Marlys, but her faith community stepped up and she leaned into their love. Marlys loved her church family at Northminster Presbyterian and served the church faithfully. Her voice could always be heard in the choir, and she served as an elder and a deacon. They were “her people” and she became a fuller, deeper Christian due to her centering much of her life, the best of her life, around faith, friends, and family. Her joyful nature and vibrant spirit are remembered by all who knew her. She had close friends everywhere she lived, and did well at keeping in touch with people through the years. She loved the theater, movies, books and music. She played bridge and enjoyed working in her yard. Her Crunch ladies helped her stay in shape, but more than that, their friendship grew outside of the gym and strengthened them all. Everyone who knew Marlys knew she had a flare for fashion and the ability to flirt. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands; Kristi Kamer and husband Jim Kamer of Apopka, FL, Karen Chancellor and husband Hilton Chancellor of Timnath, Colorado, Lisa Werner and husband Jim Werner of Sarasota, FL and Marlys Pietri and husband Mark Pietri of Austin, TX. Her grandchildren sing her praises: Ben Kamer of Leesburg, VA, Marta Kamer of Apopka, FL, Courtney Chancellor and husband James Luksich of Fort Collins, CO, Thomas Chancellor of Timnath, CO, and Mitchell Pietri of Austin, TX. Marlys is also survived by one great-grandson, a five-month-old, Lee Luksich, son of Courtney and James. With the blessing of technology, Marlys was able to see Lee regularly via Facetime and numerous videos and photographs before she passed. Our next time with Marlys, and all the saints who have gone before, is soon to come. A celebration of her life and faith in Jesus will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30 a.m., with her beloved fellowship community at Northminster Presbyterian Church (3131 61st St, Sarasota). Marlys will be interred at Sarasota National Cemetery, along with her husband Bob.

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Marlys Ann Miinch

May 23, 1937 - July 28, 2022