Marlyss Brekke

Marlyss Adele Brekke 95, of Lake Crystal, Minnesota passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022 in her cozy apartment at Crystal Seasons. Marlyss was born on July 8, 1926 to John and Hilda (Madson) at the family farm in Linden Township, Brown County, Minnesota. She joined an older sister, Marion and was later joined by sisters, Jana and Helen and a brother, John. She attended country school, District 87 through 7th grade. She continued to live with her parents, cooking, baking, cleaning and helping others while enjoying life on the farm and witnessing the transition from horses to machinery. In the early 1960's John, Hilda and Marlyss moved to 108 Benzel Avenue NW, Madelia. After moving to Madelia, Marlyss began to provide daycare for various families. The children loved and respected Marlyss. After those children were grown, Marlyss worked various jobs - the dietary department at Luther Memorial Home, later at the Madelia Elementary School where she formed an enduring friendship with Roy McCabe and lastly with the City of Madelia cleaning the library and the fire hall. Marlyss was very proud of her Norwegian heritage, traveling to Norway on four occasions to visit various aunts, uncles and cousins. During the months of November and December, Marlyss could be found in her kitchen making scrolls, rosettes and lefse for members of the community. No one made a more perfect rosette than Marlyss -golden brown, fully formed and never greasy!! When holiday baking became too much for her, she took up hardanger embroidery, taught to her by her sister, Jana. Marlyss made many beautiful and intricate pieces including an altar cloth for Trinity Lutheran Church, which is still used on communion Sundays. Many of her pieces were given to friends and family. On May 17th, Syttende Mai, you could count on seeing Marlyss in her bunad and glowing with happiness and pride. Marlyss will be remembered for her kindness, determination and spunk. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hilda Brekke, sister Marion Jorgensen, brother John Brekke, niece, Karyl Jorgensen and nephew, Dale Brekke.