MARLYS WENZEL

Our Beloved Mother, Marlys (Peters) Wenzel, 91, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Rapid City, SD. Marlys was born August 15, 1934, to Earl and Dolores (Priebe) Peters in Slayton, Minnesota and graduated valedictorian, from Slayton High School. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Leland Wenzel, on March 29, 1953, and celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Marlys and Leland began the first years of their married life together in Fulda, Minnesota having 4 children, Susan, Alan, Brad Paul, and Renee. From Fulda they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, and then White Bear Lake, Minnesota. When they both retired, it was back to the Black Hills and their dream home overlooking the city lights of Rapid City. Marlys worked as a secretary for multiple businesses and schools throughout her life in each place she lived, and eventually retired from the Payroll Department at 3M Company. With a busy work schedule and family, she found time to play organ and be a choir director for most of the Lutheran churches Marlys and Leland attended. In addition, her talent and passion for music made her a loved and appreciated piano teacher by many children in Minnesota and South Dakota. She continued to play piano until the summer of 2025.

Marlys’ sense of humor, laughter, and quick wit would always bring joy to those around her. Her many hobbies were always filled with a creative flair. She loved to decorate, sew, knit, quilt, and created many beautiful needlepoints. Marlys and Lee loved to travel. They traveled to most of the 50 states, Europe several times, and New Zealand, while spending time with family and friends.

Grateful for the love, faith, dedication, joy, and talents she shared with so many, are her daughter, Susan Wenzel, of Rapid City, SD; son Brad Paul Wenzel and wife, Deborah Wenzel, of Ruidoso, NM; daughter Renee Knox and husband, Glenn E. Knox, of Sage, CA; grandchildren, Francisco Wenzel, Bryce Wenzel, Amber (Knox) Lampi, Jason Knox, Glenn C. Knox, Tyler Jones, and Cody Jones; siblings, Phyllis Mansch, Curtis Peters, and Les Peters, and many extended family. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leland Wenzel; son, Alan Wenzel; her parents and siblings Byrdella Bjerklie, Betty Tanck, and Richard Peters.

Marlys Memorial Service and luncheon will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 4550 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, SD, at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026. Burial will follow at 2:30 at the Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis, SD.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the music program at Zion Lutheran School.