Twin Cities - Marlys Ann Hunter, a longtime resident of the Twin Cities, passed away on June 3, 2026, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alma Allen and Otto Zilge, stepfather Warren Allen, beloved husband Donald, siblings Verne Zilge, Rosella Kucheska, and Duane Zilge.

Marlys and husband Donald were partners for everything in life. They were high school sweethearts, who married early and had children immediately. When they decided together that Donald would go to law school Marlys worked as a secretary supporting the family. They had memorable vacations with their three children, and various pet dogs. They traveled in the U.S. and internationally extensively.

Marlys was an accomplished pianist and her husband Donald loved hearing her play Malaguena. She was an avid and accomplished gardener, and when she no longer gardened herself, loved visiting the arboretum and sitting on the deck at her daughter's house looking out over the gardens there. She passed on her love of gardening and her gardening skills to her daughters.

Marlys loved getting together with immediate and extended family members for various festivities. Any such occasion was a great opportunity for good food, wine, and conversation. Well in to her eighties she still loved socializing. She attended the weddings of her grandson's Brian and Jonathan where she got out on to the dance floor and danced. She attended her grandson Sam's wedding in Washington state, visiting the wineries in Walla Walla for wine tastings. She enjoyed it all till the end.

Marlys is survived by children Jeffrey Hunter (Claudia), Cheri Wivell (Brad) and Kathy Coombs (Shawn); grand children Jonathan Wivell, Kristen Wivell, Samuel Briggs, Kelly Briggs (Wittner), Sarah Hunter, Brian Hunter; great grandchildren Noel Wittner, Simon Wittner, Lucy Wittner, Lucas Hunter; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Monday, June 15, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at Washburn-McReavy; 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. A luncheon will be served. Private interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Anoka.

www.Washburn-McReavy.com

Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400