Marlys Marie Strobel, 93, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Midland Hospice surrounded by her family.
She was born July 18, 1930, in Canova, South Dakota, the daughter of August and Elsa (Marten) Schultz. She graduated from Canova High School. After graduation, she went to Augustana University and earned her Bachelors Degree in Education. Marlys went on to earn her Masters Degree at Kansas State University in Special Education.
Marlys married her high school sweetheart Kenneth E. Strobel on November 21, 1951 in Canova, SD. They had two children, Resa and Scott.
Marlys dedicated nearly 30 years to educating the youth in the Topeka Public Schools.
She was a past member at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran Church.
Marlys was a Friend of the Topeka Zoo, a PEO member, part of the Topeka Ski Club and the Wood Valley Tennis Club. She enjoyed playing cards and was active in a Bridge and Bunko Club. Marlys also enjoyed playing Mahjong.
She loved to travel which included going to China, Russia, Africa, but her favorite place to visit was Pensacola Beach. Her greatest passion was spending time with her immediate and extended family. She always supported her grandchildren’s activities. Marlys was an avid KU athletics sports fan. She loved to entertain in her home at Potwin Place, which included horse and buggy rides at Christmas time, the annual July 4th Parade and any other holiday festivities. She was the first woman to hit a hole in one at the Par 3 at The Topeka Public Golf Course.
She lived every day to the fullest and didn't miss a second.
She leaves behind her daughter, Resa (Glen) Lemesany; daughter in law, Karen Strobel; grandchildren, Carly Hill and her children, Blaise, Amy and Layla, Ansley (Marcus) McKenna and their children, Blake and Hayden, Collin (Paige) Strobel and Christian Lemesany. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth E. Strobel; her son, Scott Strobel; her parents and twelve siblings.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 6:00 pm., Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604. Her family will greet relatives and friends the hour following the service. In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
Marly's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time.
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To share a memory of Marlys or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.