Marlys (Elsholtz) Liska

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Liska, Marlys Elsholtz of Minne-tonka, MN, passed away peacefully at home on October 26th after a yearlong health battle on many fronts. She was born January 24, 1931 to Willis and Lenore Elsholtz. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Jim, her children Greg (Mary), Carolyn (Buzz) Pierce, and Stephanie (Mike) Maki; 8 grandchildren, Andrew (Adrienne) Liska, Steve (Kari) Liska, Tom (Lauren) Liska, Peter Pierce, Katie Pierce, Bo Maki, Mackenzie Maki and Jackson Maki, and 1 great-grandchild Elliott Liska. She is also survived by her brothers Bill (Mary) Elsholtz and Bob (Marilee) Elsholtz, and many other family members. Marlys was born in south Minneapolis, graduating from Washburn High School in January 1949. She met a cute dark-haired young man with beautiful light-blue eyes; their relationship lasted more than 65 years. She graduated from Macalester College, and was part of the first class to graduate from the Harvard Radcliffe Women's Management Training Program. Her first job was as a part-time elevator operator at Powers Department Store in downtown Minneapolis; after graduation from Harvard Radcliffe, she worked at the Star Tribune in the personnel department. Her hobbies were playing bridge, crafting, knitting and traveling, but she most enjoyed volunteer efforts that combined her talents with making new friends. She volunteered 34 years for Minneapolis Children's Hospital, was involved in PEO Chapter BQ, the St. Louis Park Senior Center, and held many positions with Tri Psi, including International President. The center of her life was relationships with family and with friends. Every phone call from her children resulted in "Are you coming over today?" And, the nearly 6,000 return address labels we found in her file attest to her love of keeping in touch with friends around the country. She touched the hearts of everyone she met with smiles and laughter. She will be missed! Heartfelt thanks to Nancy and all the Park Nicollet hospice nurses who provided such comfort to Marlys and her family during her final weeks. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, November 2nd at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Visitation one hour preceding the service. Memorials to the donor's charity of choice preferred.

Published on October 30, 2016