Marlys Heggen

Marlys Heggen, 78, West Fargo, died peacefully May 20 at Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo.

Marlys was born to Edith and Ed Hambek July 5, 1938 in Minot, ND. She attended Minot area country schools, Minot High, Minot State and Bismarck State. Marlys met her future husband, DuWayne, while they worked at KCJB Radio-TV in Minot. They wed in 1958 and had been married for 58 and a half years when she died. She was mother of three children she loved, worried about and was proud of Laurie, Drew and Scott.

In 1977 she suffered one of the worst blows a mother can have when 17 year old daughter Laurie died. Marlys bravely carried on, determined to make a good life for the rest of her family. A great hope of hers was to have grandchildren. On a trip to Prague, Czech Republic in 2001, she followed a local tradition of rubbing a statue of St. John Nepomuk. Legend is that making a wish while doing that and keeping it secret will make it come true. Her wish was for a grandchild and that was fulfilled three years later when Alexis was born. This prompted a move from Bismarck to West Fargo where she had some of the happiest years of her life helping care for her granddaughter. More joy in 2014 when Vivien was born. This granddaughter arrived with some drama, a tiny preemie, fighting for life, who has grown into a very active toddler.

Marlys worked outside the home most of her life. Employers included ND Department of Transportation, ND Governor’s office and City of Bismarck where she was in charge of payroll when she retired.

She is survived by her husband, her son Drew, his wife Ronni and their daughter Alex, Fargo and by son Scott, his wife Nicole and daughter Vivien, St. Michael, MN. Surviving siblings are Joyce Hanson, West Fargo, Gary Hambek, Denver and James Hambek, Minot.

Her brother Eddie preceded her in death.

Marlys often said obituaries should include the cause of death. So here it is. Marlys developed Alzheimer’s, slowly at first and then suddenly, which was severely complicated by an infection in April. She was cared for by Sanford, Eventide, Sheyenne Crossings and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

There will be a private family remembrance.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bismarck.

West Funeral Home, West Fargo, is in charge of arrangements.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com