Marlys Jackson

Memorial services for Marlys N. Jackson of Starbuck will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Starbuck, with Pastors Galen and Marcia Sylvester officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Starbuck Funeral Home and will continue at church on Thursday one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Marlys Jackson journeyed to her heavenly home on the evening of May 26, 2025. Born on April 15, 1937 to Louis L. and Clarice M. Hanson in Starbuck MN, she was the first of seven born to that union. She was baptized and confirmed at Fron Lutheran Church. 

She worked at the local movie theater popping popcorn and at the Starbuck Cement Products as the office secretary. After high school she traveled to Minneapolis and worked for the University of Minnesota in the secretarial pool, before moving home to marry her high school sweetheart, DeWayne Jackson. They were married September 28, 1957 at the Fron Lutheran Church by Pastor Dversdall. There were four children born to this union, Melody, Ryan, Tyrone and Melissa. They made their home on a farm southwest of Starbuck where they milked cows, raised beef, pigs and small grains. She also tended a huge garden, enjoying canning and freezing of all her bounties. She also spent days mowing her yard, taking pride in making it look like a park.

Her faith in God carried her through many of the trials life threw at her. She joined Immanuel Lutheran Church after being married and made lifelong friends. She taught Sunday school, was Sunday School superintendent and Luther League leader, member of the Ladies Aide, and served on the church council. She was also very active in her community as a member of the Minnewaska Lutheran Home Auxiliary, 4H leader and a member of GFWC.

Her life revolved around her family, she was a teacher, a friend, and someone everyone could look up to. Family gatherings were a must, whether it was immediate family or extended family. She was always an avid listener and always had words of wisdom whether you wanted it or not. Everyone was welcome at her home; there were seldom meals with just the 6 of the family around the table. Nieces, nephews, friends, family and neighborhood boys hired to bale hay were always invited in. The pantry and freezer were always full of cake, cookies, pies and best of all DONUTS. She was the donut princess after her mom the donut queen. There was always someone extra hanging out and put to work. She absolutely welcomed everyone. She loved dancing at Lakeside with DeWayne, attending card parties with the neighbors, coffee parties, decorating fancy cakes, sewing for her family and time spent visiting relatives and grandkids. She loved attending any activities that her kids and grandkids were involved in.

After her children graduated, she found her second calling as a volunteer for the hospice organization. Her nurturing nature benefited numerous families in the Pope County and surrounding area. She put her heart and soul into the job, and each family became part of her family. She was so proud to give comfort to those she served.

Marlys is survived by her four children: Melody Sletten (special friend Scott Smedstad), Ryan (Linda) Jackson, Tyrone (Lura) Jackson and Melissa (Randy) Tritz, 10 grandchildren: Sarah Parnell, Douglas Sletten, Wendell Sletten, Ashley (Andrew) Sailer, Mitchell Jackson, Amber (Brady) Blomberg, Cory (Alison) Jackson, Tyler (Krissy) Jackson, Joshua (Jenna) Jackson, and Kelley Haberer. Great-grandchildren: Alana Parnell, Cillian Jackson, Bentlee, Briella and Ryleigh Blomberg, Maverick Jackson, and Charleigh Tritz. Brothers and sister: Ronald (Sharon) Hanson, Mark (June) Hanson, and Ann (Lyndon) Hagestuen.

She is preceded in death by her husband, DeWayne Jackson, parents, Louis and Clarice Hanson, Brothers: Richard, David, Dean, Sister-In-Law Carrol Hanson, and Grandson Wyatt Tritz.

The family would like to thank the Minnewaska Lutheran Home, Glacial Ridge Hospital and Moments Hospice for their help in caring for Marlys. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Operation Smile or the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in her memory.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck, MN is in the care of arrangements for Marlys.