A Memorial Service for Marlys LaVerne Ercink, 64, of Lake City, SD will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at the Faith Lutheran Church in New Effington, SD with the Rev. Tryphine Schruba officiating. Organist will be Debbie Bredvik and special music by Janeen Kohl. Urn Bearer will be John Ercink Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Marlys' Grandchildren, Aurora, Payton, Preslie, and Parker Ercink, Kaitlyn and Mason Deal, and Sidney and Busy Williams.

Marlys LaVerne Knutson was born on June 3, 1949 in Dallas, TX to Edwin and Doris (Heath) Knutson. They lived in Dallas until moving to New Effington in 1951. She graduated from New Effington High School in 1967. After graduation Marlys worked in Fargo, ND at Herbst Department Store, then moved to Minneapolis and worked at American Hardware Mutual Insurance Co. and Honeywell.

On April 20, 1969 she married the love of her life John Ercink and they lived in Monticello, MN. In 1970 they bought Knebel's Standard Gas Station where John worked and Marlys worked at the New Effington Post Office as the clerk. In 1976 they sold the station to John's brother Jim and they moved to John's family farm. Marlys continued to work for the Postal Service part time, Deano's Steakhouse and on the farm. She became the Postmaster in New Effington in 1989. She then became Postmaster in Veblen in 2001 where she retired in 2004 after 34 years with the postal service.

Marlys and John have 3 children, John Jr., Tracy and Keri.

Marlys enjoyed many activities with her children such as being Den Mother for Cub Scouts, taught Sunday School and Bible School. She enjoyed attending their sports activities and was always and supportive loving mother for all their dreams. One of Marlys greatest loves was her children and 8 grandchildren. She would often be found on the phone, texting and Facebooking the grandkids. She attended many of their activities and was proud as any grandma could be of their accomplishments. Marlys was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Claire City, SD.

In her life she enjoyed reading, camping, bon fires, fishing, and pontoon rides. She and John spent a few winters in Arizona. They loved to cruise in the hotrod and attend car shows.

Marlys passed away peacefully on September 6, 2013 with John by her side holding her hand. They fought a courageous 3 year battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Marlys is survived by her loving husband John and their 3 children, John Jr. (Stacy) Ercink, Aurora, Payton, Preslie and Parker of Lisbon, ND; Tracy Deal, Kaitlyn and Mason of Wheaton, MN; Keri (Louis) Williams, Sidney and Busy of Sisseton, SD, and her special pet Sparky.

Marlys was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Knutson, mother Doris Knutson and her maternal and paternal grandparents.