Marlys Jean Isely born April 14, 1941 in Monroe, WI, entered her eternal heavenly home at the SSM Health Monroe Hospice Home in the early morning hours of July 7, 2025, following a valiant battle with Multiple Myeloma over a span of 9 years. She was the daughter of Willis and Leona (Hefty) Isely and the7th of eleven children. Marlys lived a life of many adventures: graduate of Puddledock Grade School 1955, Argyle High School 1959 and a graduate of Lacrosse State College 1963. She taught school in Reedsburg, WI and in New Richmond, IL. She worked for over 20 years at the Christian League for the Handicapped at Walworth, WI, serving in various capacities. After moving to Monroe, Marlys worked as a rural mail carrier and as a home care worker, and later volunteered as a driver for the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Green County, WI.
She had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Savior at a young age through the ministry of Rural Bible Crusade. She lived her life based on God’s Word and served Him through loving and serving others. Having a heart for young people, she left an imprint on their lives, whether nieces, nephews, students at school or church. She actively served as a volunteer worker in the AWANA youth ministries through the church, both in Williams Bay and in Monroe, WI. She was an avid reader, loved the outdoors, gardening and travelling.
Marlys is survived by brothers: Roger of Argyle, WI, Eldon (Sally) of Plymouth, WI, Don (Paula) of Lancaster, PA, Alan (Iola) of New Glarus, WI; Sisters: Junice Shippee, of Lena, IL; Angie Dugan, of Wadena, Sask, Canada, Imogene (Craig) Wilner, of Summerville, OR; Sister-in-law, Ann Isely, of Madison, WI. Also surviving her are 28 nieces and nephews, 50 great nieces and nephews, 25 great greats and many friends and acquaintances.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Daryle and Erling; Sister JoAnne Bruehlman; Sisters-in-law: Joyce, Carol and Dorothy; step-mother Charlotte; niece Laurel Bruehlman and nephew Gerald Bruehlman; brothers-in-law John Shippee, Dan Dugan and John Bruehlman.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Monroe Bible Church with Pastor Dan Krahenbuhl officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Reformation Church Cemetery. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed on the Monroe Bible Church’s YouTube page. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: Rural Bible Crusade, PO Box 635, Marshfield, WI 54449-0635 or: Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566-3527. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
The family wishes to thank the Monroe SSM Health Clinic, Hospital and Hospice staff; Dr. Aric Hall, and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI; Dr. Jennifer Lochner, UW Health, Belleville Family Medicine Clinic; Pastor Dan Krahenbuhl and church family at Monroe Bible Church and her many friends who have supported her through this journey.
