Marlis McNellis

Marlis M. McNellis, age 91 of Brooklyn Park, MN, peacefully passed away on 5/31/26, surrounded by her Loving family. 

Marlis was born on 10/26/1934, in Franklin Township MN and was the daughter of Frank and Marian Florek. She lived life with so much Grace and Kindness and had a fun-loving sense of humor. She was a dedicated Mother who poured her heart into raising her five Children. 

Marlis grew up in Wright County alongside her three sisters; Carol, Donna, and her twin sister Marlene. Being Identical twins Marlis and Marlene shared an exceptionally close, unbreakable bond, talking to each other almost every week. After Graduating, Marlis moved to Minneapolis and married T.J. McNellis, beginning a beautiful 52-year marriage. In 1956 they purchased their first home in Brooklyn Park. Following TJ.'s passing in 2007, Marlis remained in their home until 2024, cherishing a remarkable 68 years. 

An Avid sports fan, Marlis passionately cheered for the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers and loved watching the high school team tournaments. Her love for sports extended to the field, where she played as a fastpitch softball pitcher and spent many years scorekeeping for her daughter's softball team. She made it a priority to attend sporting events for her children and often attended track and field day and sporting events for her grandchildren. Marlis was also an enthusiastic bowler who proudly held a high score of 254, an achievement that was featured in the local newspaper.

Outside of sports, Marlis was a cribbage devotee, leaving a trail of boards and card decks in every room in her home. She loved her gardens, often canning and freezing her homegrown food with her children's help. She spent her free time crocheting, doing ceramics, and creating many various crafts. 

Marlis loved to travel with T.J., visiting Ireland, taking cruises, visiting multiple states and cross-country trips to their 2nd home in Arizona in the winter months. She always looked forward to the yearly vacations the family took to Toad Lake, spending quality time with many members of the McNellis family. She also played a major role in organizing the neighborhood's annual 4th of July party, a beloved tradition that went on for many years for sometimes 4 plus days at a time. 

A devout Catholic, Marlis's deep faith shone through her active involvement in her church community. She was initially a dedicated parishioner at St. Alphonsus and later became a founding, lifelong member of St. Gerard Catholic Church from the time it was built. 

Marlis spent the last 2 years living at The Homestead of Anoka Assisted Living, where she quickly became a beloved part of the community. She filled her days playing bingo, listening to music, and chatting with her new friends at dinner. She brought her love of life and sense of humor to both residents and staff, who frequently shared with her family just how kind and well-loved she was. 

Our family extends a deeply heartfelt thank you to the staff and her friends at Homestead, including the TCU team who cared for Marlis during her four different stays there. Marlis truly loved everyone at Homestead; even when her vision was fading, she knew most of her wonderful caregivers and friends by the sound of their voices. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Marlis's dedicated caregiver, Michelle, who spent 5 days a week with her over the past three years. Michelle's compassionate care and love for Marlis was a true blessing. Marlis always looked forward to Michelle's daily visits and their bond brought immense comfort to her and our entire family. 

Above all, nothing brought Marlis greater joy though than her family and friends. Whether through visits, phone calls, video chats or gatherings, she treasured hearing about their lives and staying connected. 

During a recent visit, her Grandson Dustin remarked, "Grandma you're wise and you've lived twice as long as I have. What advice do you have for me?" She replied, "Pick one thing to be good at and do that one thing really well." For her, that one thing was living life to the fullest. We think she did that really well. 

We are so grateful for the beautiful life and legacy our mom gave us. Life won’t be the same without her. We Love you and Miss you everyday Mom! 

Marlis is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Terrence (T.J.) and her parents Marian and Frank Florek, sisters Donna Garberich and Carol Hendricks, her identical Twin sister Marlene Zdawczyk and nephews Gayle Garberich and Donald Hendricks. Survived by Her 5 children, Mike (Lynn), Patty (Scott) Lindgren, Theresa (Rick) Richman, Tim, Dan (Caprice) Ayau McNellis; 13 grandchildren, Sean (Jasmine), Kevin, Holly (Derick), Megan, Devan (Ellie), Alex (Kayley), Leah (Josh), Dustin, Josh, Griffin (Jordan), Ashley, Travis, Krystal (Andy) 20 great grandchildren, Patrick, Shannon, Natalie, Elliot, Jonas, Ethan, Marcus, Vanessa, Charlotte, Brett, Cole, Penny, Emelia, Ethan, Ely, Wailani, Dior, D.J., Mia, Grant and her Great-Great Grandchild Ember, many nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am (Visitation 10-11 am) Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 9600 Regent Avenue North, Brooklyn Park. Visitation 4-7 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd Street NE, Osseo. Memorials Preferred to Donor's choice.