Marlys Kopischke

Marlys Marie Kopischke, age 89 of Janesville, MN passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026.

 

Born on October 21, 1937, Marlys was the only daughter of Orvil and Evelyn (Ditlevson) Rose. She grew up in rural Waseca, attending country school before graduating from Waseca High School. After graduation, she began her working life, setting out on the next chapter of her journey.

 

On November 3, 1956, she married Edward Kopischke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Together, they made their home in rural Janesville, where they raised their five children, worked side by side, and built a life centered on family and farming.

 

Marlys' days revolved around caring for those she loved, a role that came as naturally to her as the work of each day on the farm. She made sure everyone was fed, the family was cared for, and her husband had a helping hand with the farm chores. Between tending the garden, canning, and keeping up with the farm, she always found a way to make sure those around her had what they needed. Her caring heart extended beyond her own family, too.

 

As her children grew older, Marlys returned to the workforce, sharing her gift for caring for others at Hillcrest, as a home care provider, and at the Faribault Regional Center. Strong in her faith, Marlys was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where her commitment went beyond Sunday services. She shared her time and talents by serving on numerous committees, making her church another place where she could lend a hand and care for others.

 

Marlys had a way of drawing people in, and she was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. A true social butterfly with a little feistiness in her spirit, she brought warmth, personality, and plenty of life wherever she went. Family was always her greatest priority, and she never hesitated to show up for the people she loved. Whether supporting her children, cheering on her grandchildren, or making memories with her great-grandchildren, Marlys would travel whatever distance she needed to be there. Her presence was a gift, her love was unwavering, and her family always knew they could count on her.

 

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Blaine (Lorri) Kopischke, Bonnie Stickley, and Bruce (Denise) Kopischke; son-in-law, Mark Clasen; grandchildren, Bekah (John) Kindall, Michael (Lindsey) Kopischke, Adam (Corrine) Thayer, Jennifer (James) Pierce, Mark (Mary) Kopischke, Bryan (Kim) Thayer, Amber Morrow, Devick (Amy Swetkey) Stickley, and Chris Kopischke, along with 20 great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward in 2022; daughters, Betty Gilchrist in 2007 and Becky Clasen in April of 2026; son-in-law, Rick Stickley; grandchildren, Josh Gilchrist and Westly Kopischke; and grandson-in-law, Zach Morrow.

 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville, MN; Pastor Jason Wolter will officiate. Marlys' family will greet guests at a visitation held two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault, MN.