Marlys Peterson

Obituary for Marlys Marie (Nystrom) Peterson

Marlys Marie Nystrom Peterson was born on June 24, 1937, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to Anna Salmena (Larson) and Boyd Morris Edward Nystrom. She grew up with her younger sister, Shirley, and later, two brothers—Bruce and Calvin—and a stepbrother, Lou “Butch” Mattsfield.

Marlys’ early years were marked by both joy and sorrow. When she was just eight years old, her sister Shirley tragically passed away following a farm accident. A few years later, Marlys lost her mother, Anna Salmena, to cancer. After Boyd remarried Hazel Mattsfield, the blended family grew, but within just three years, Boyd also passed away and Hazel remarried Harold Martens in 1967.These two graciously became Marlys and Bruce’s loving parents. Despite these hardships, Marlys persevered with quiet strength and faith.

She attended boarding school for high school and graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. Following graduation, she worked for several years at Prudential Insurance. In her mid-twenties, Marlys attended Bible school in Bemidji, Minnesota—an experience that deepened her faith and shaped the direction of her life.

It was during this time that Marlys met the love of her life, Marsden Peterson—through what Marsden fondly called the “yellow pages.” While searching for a church to attend, he found one near him and, upon visiting, met Marlys. The two were introduced by church friends and soon began dating. Marlys was immediately struck by Marsden’s well-worn, heavily highlighted Bible.

That summer, Marlys spent time in Canada doing missionary work. She and Marsden wrote letters throughout her trip, and upon her return in August, he met her at the bus stop and proposed. They married on Friday, November 26, 1965, in Minneapolis—fitting the ceremony between Marsden’s weekends home from student teaching in Michigan.

The couple welcomed three children: Marietta (born 1967), Marshall (born 1969), and Marleta (born 1972). Their journey took them to Michigan, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wyoming, and South Dakota as they faithfully served in ministry together.

In 1969, the family moved to Banner County, Nebraska, where Marsden attended Frontier School of the Bible. Their faith was tested when their son Marshall contracted spinal meningitis in 1971, leaving him with lifelong challenges, but the family’s love and devotion only deepened.

After Marsden’s graduation from, they served at Northern Bible Church in Bemidji, Minnesota, and later returned to LaGrange, Wyoming, where both were deeply involved at Frontier School of the Bible. Marlys worked in the kitchen and later became head cook, known for her kindness, hospitality, and homemade meals that fed countless students. She was particularly renowned for her delicious Swedish meatballs and biscuits and gravy. She also worked at the local café, cooked at the senior center, and supported her family through years of missionary service.

In 1993, following God’s leading, Marsden and Marlys helped found Cornerstone Bible Institute in Hot Springs, South Dakota, where they served faithfully until their retirement in 2006. They then settled in Chadron, Nebraska, where Marsden became known as the local locksmith and continued serving his community until his passing on November 20, 2013.

Marlys remained in Chadron, where her bold faith and strong, genuine nature endeared her to many. She enjoyed bringing a bit of humor into everyday life and stayed steadfast in her beliefs. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and cherished traditions, especially the annual Christmas cookie decorating with her grandchildren, often accompanied by her beloved Swedish records playing in the background. Marlys also enjoyed studying the Bible, singing Hymns, and sewing homemade gifts for family members.

Even though Marlys spent her last 3 years at Crestview Care Center, her witty personality, bright light, and faith continued to minister to the residents and the staff. She will be greatly missed there.

Marlys is survived by her brothers Bruce Nystrom, Calvin Nystrom, and Lou “Butch” Mattsfield; her daughters Marietta Peterson and Marleta (Todd) Hastings; grandchildren Larissa (Zac) White, Mikaela (Tristan) Stephenson, and Moriah (Riley) Schliep; and four great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also adored Marlys.

She is preceded in death by her husband Marsden Peterson, her parents Boyd and Anna Salmena Nystrom, her stepmother Hazel Nystrom, her step-father Harold Martens, her sister Shirley, and son Marshall

Marlys’ life was marked by steadfast faith, humility, and a heart for service. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Services for Marlys will be held Saturday, November 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Chamberlain Chapel

Memorials have been established for First Baptist Church and Chadron Home Health and Hospice