Marlys Westphal

Marlys Elaine Mildred (nee Benck) Westphal, age 78, of Backus, passed away March 6, 2010, at her winter home in Harlingen, Texas. She was born to Martin and Ella Benck in Canby, MN, on October 26, 1931. She grew up on a farm near Canby. She married Lloyd E. Westphal on September 20, 1950. They moved to a dairy farm near Backus with their three small children in February of 1964. Later they opened the L-M Upholstery Shop, which they sold to their daughter, Marlene, upon their retirement.

Marlys loved crossword puzzles, putting puzzles together, and fishing in Canada. She was an avid bowler and shuffleboard champ.

Marlys is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lloyd; children: LeRoy Westphal (Florence) of Redmond, WA, Marlene Peterson, of Backus, Larry Westphal (Cheri) of Backus; grandchildren: Ona Lee, Jeanie, Wade, Waylon, Justin, Alan, Tracy, Linda; and eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clarence and Walter Benck; infant son, Michael; and son-in-law, Dean Peterson.

Services will be 2 PM on Monday, March 15, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus, with Pastor Ronald Carnicom officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Canby City Cemetery, Canby, MN.