NEW ULM–Marlys Elaine (Hanson) Zetah died with grace on December 26, 2025, nine months after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Kathleen Ulland Klinkner officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at church, prior to the service. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Marly was born February 23, 1938 in Madison, MN to Anna (Haugen) and Rudolph Hanson. She grew up on a farm and attended a one room schoolhouse for eight years before graduating from Madison High School. She received her RN in Nursing from St. Lucas Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Faribault, MN. Her career as a nurse spanned 40 years in hospitals in Redwood Falls, St. Paul, and New Ulm, MN. On a blind date, Marly met her wonderful Jim, whom she married in 1961. Despite Jim being Catholic and Marly Lutheran, they were fortunate to embrace both religious communities and enjoyed a strong and loving partnership. Marly loved being a mother to Brad, Jenny, Kris, and Shannon, raising them on Linden Street with so many caring neighbors and lifelong friends. Following Jim’s death in 2002, Marly began a new path in life through volunteering with many groups including Red Cross disaster teams, mission trips, hospice, and her church. She was an amazing grandmother to her nine grandchildren and loved spending time with them and attending their activities. In later years, Marly enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, attending her book club, and Friday night Winer’s group, as well as watching the Twins and Vikings on her big TV. In her final months, she passionately fought to ban assault weapons, calling it her dying wish.

Marly is survived by her children: Brad (Jeanine) of Savage, MN, Jenny Zetah (Dan Becker) of Silt, CO, Kris Zetah (Mark Elijah) of New Ulm, MN, and Shannon Zetah (Tim Krsul) of Plymouth, MN; her grandchildren: Andrew Zetah, Rachel Z. Becker, Brian (Karsyn) Zetah, Zach Z. Becker, Dominic Z. Thomas, Jackson Z. Krsul, Ethan Z. Thomas, Oliver Z. Thomas, and Carly Krsul. Despite her efforts, she leaves behind no great-grandchildren (yet). She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Shelby Hanson, Elizabeth Zetah, and Carol Zetah, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Marly was preceded in death by her older brother, Roger. Marly’s gentle spirit inspired so many people as witnessed by the streams of visitors who came to see her while she was in hospice.

Memorials preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Green Lake Ministries, Kikatiti Mission in Tanzania, American Foundation for Children with AIDS, Sandy Hook Promise, or New Ulm Medical Center Hospice.

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