Marlys Jean De Wild was the fourth of six children born to Henry and Grace (Muyskens) Korver on June 28, 1935 on a farm near Alton, Iowa. Marlys attended Floyd Independent Country School and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1952. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in home economics from Central College in 1956.

Marlys met Alvin De Wild in the balcony at the old Third Reformed Church. They were united in marriage on June 8, 1957 at the First Reformed Church in Orange City, the church she was raised in and where she made public profession of her faith. To this union they were blessed with four children: Michael A., Machelle Kay, Risa Lynn and Millicent Mae.

She attended Central College and became a member of Third Reformed Church when she moved to Pella. After settling in Pella, she went on to teach home economics in New Sharon and later at Pella Christian High School and also as a substitute teacher at Pella High School until she became a stay-at-home mom. She considered this role to be a great luxury in her life. After the children were in school she worked for Hoogenakker's Gifts in Pella, and later owned and operated T & D Department Store with her husband.

Marlys served the community as a Member/Officer of the League of Women Voters of Pella and Iowa Boards, the Pella Chamber Retail Board, Central College Board and Central College Auxiliary. Over the years she hosted many international students in her home to expose her family to diverse cultures. Many of these student have remained life long friends.

Marlys was also very active in servant hearted leadership within Third Reformed Church and the Reformed Church of America. She taught Sunday School and Family Night for many years and was a member of Hope Circle and the Reformed Church Women's Ministries (RCWM) where she served as an officer. She also served as an officer for Heartland Synod, Central Iowa Classis RCWM Board & RCWM Denominational Board.

Some of her interests were reading, traveling and growing her faith, which she modeled in her daily life. She made it a priority to make each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel loved and special. Al and Marlys felt that it was important for themselves and their family to experience fun, historic, national and international treasures and were fortunate to travel regularly with family and friends. Marlys loved entertaining, party planning and was an excellent cook and opened her home to many.

Family

Marlys is survived by her husband Al, three children, and their families:

Mike and Ruth De Wild of Pella

Megan and Adam Vande Voort

Cooper, Brant, Addilynn

Brad De Wild

Hayden, Camden

Machelle and Rick Bloodsworth of Pella

Aaron and Jennifer Bloodsworth

Londyn, Paxton

Jordan and Rhys Beynon

Rowyn, Perri

Milli and Todd Toom of Pella

Landon Toom

She is also survived by her siblings: Marvin and Norma Korver, Casey and Gladys Korver, and Lorraine Brink; and her sister and brothers-in-law: Marla and Don Larsen, and Rev. Roger Petersen.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Grace Korver, her parents-in-law Roy and Charlotte De Wild, a daughter Risa in infancy, her siblings: Wilma Petersen and Loretta and Henry De Haan, and her brother-in-law Stanley Brink.

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA