Marlys Jane (Gaustad) DeSmith, age 89 of Hammond, WI, died on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin, WI. Marlys was born May 1, 1932 to parents Carroll and Myrtle (Thompson) Gaustad, in Woodville, WI and graduated from Baldwin High School. After graduation, Marlys was employed by Brown and Bigelow in St. Paul. On June 27, 1953, she was united in marriage to Rodney (Bud) DeSmith at St John’s Catholic Church in Glenwood City WI. To this union, six children were born. Bud would later pass away in 1984. Marlys was employed as a telephone operator both in Hammond and Baldwin. She then moved on and was employed by Erickson Industries, which changed to Volrath and later to Kolpak Refrigeration plant in River Falls, where she retired. After retirement, Marlys worked part time at the local gas station as a stocker/cleaner. Marlys loved to attend her grandchildren’s events. She was a baseball fan and followed the Milwaukee Braves, and later the Brewers. She also enjoyed the Packers. Bowling was a favorite pastime, joining three different leagues and traveling all over the state for tournaments. She also took any chance she could to travel all over the U.S. She made it overseas to Hawaii and even to Europe. Marlys is proceeded in death by her husband Bud, sons Steven and Scott (stillborn), granddaughter Emma; parents, Carroll and Myrtle; her siblings and spouses: Diane (Bernie) Jeske, Madolyn (Laurence) Vier, Carolyn (Stanley) Hanson, Rosalie (Barry Moran), Phyllis (Roger) Raeshler, Peter and Thomas Gaustad. Brothers in law: David Snyder and George Knipfel; Parents in law: Ed and Anna DeSmith, Sisters in law: Joyce (DeSmith) Neiman, Shirley (Marvin) Cassellius, Brothers in law: Roger and Glenn DeSmith. She is survived by her children: Susan (Lindy) Johnson, Daniel (Julie) DeSmith, Debra (Wally) Graf, Michael (Dawn) DeSmith, daughter in law Shannon DeSmith. Grandchildren: Andy, Matt (Kerry) Johnson, Betsy Johnson (Pete Zomok), Tyler, Maddie, and Tessa DeSmith, Amber Jenni and Adam Graf (Deanna O’Sullivan), Logan Snyder and Laura DeSmith, Alyssa (Martin) Koerner, Robb (Sara) DeSmith. Seven Great-grands: Aidan and Zane Zomok, Connor and Kendall Johnson, Odin Anderson, Camryn and Josie Jenni, Sloane Koerner and Wyatt DeSmith. Her sisters: Charlene Snyder and Janice Knipfel. Sisters in law Karen and Ione DeSmith, and Sandy Gaustad. Brother in Law: David (Judi) DeSmith. Numerous other relatives. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 pm on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church 1295 Ridgeway Street Hammond, WI and stream live through the link just below this obituary. Visitation was also on Sunday from 12 – 2 pm at the church. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252 |
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788
12 Comments
Sincere sympathies to the family!
Sincere sympathy and thoughts of your mom and I will always miss her smile and happy nature!I am so blessed to have met my family! Times spent with the sisters will not be forgotten!
Maryls was a sweet and kind soul and I will always remember her as one of the older girls of the Gustad clan all living in harmony and having those soft Ball games out in the field. RIP? Cousin, Kathleen Heille Kath
Thank you Kathy. Mom was the oldest. And there were tons of softball games, even for a while after I was married!
I often think of your mom and what a generous soul she was. She’d come down to Gram Myrt’s house and my husband and I would play 500 against them. Always ready for a game of cards!! Sue DeSmith Johnson
I remember many fun times at the DeSmith house when I was young. Bud and Marlys were the best. Your mom was always such a good egg. Your house was what a family gathering looked like back in the day. So special and rare these days.
Thank you, Nancy. I remember you coming over to Mom and Dad’s in “Thorndike.”
The coolest car ever.
Sending our sympathies and prayers.
Sending so much love and condolences to you cousins.
I will miss you Auntie Mar!
Until we meet again!
Thanks, Wendy! I know in my heart you wanted to be here! The flowers you kids sent were beautiful! We’ll be out that way, maybe this fall.
Thank you Pat and Ralph. If you ever get over this way, please stop in!
Our sincere condolences. We remember seeing Marlys at basketball games and also at the convenience store here in Hammond. She was always so cheerful and always had a big friendly hello! Your family has our heartfelt sympathy.
Marlys was one of the nicest people I’ve known. Having been best friends with her son Steve, I got to know the Desmith family quite well. There is a special place in my heart for the Desmith family. I send my sincere condolences to your family!!
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