Marlly Gerritsen

      Marlly Gerritsen, 93, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Spencer, passed away peacefully in the Hiawatha Care Center in Cedar Rapids. 

      Marlly was born on August 6^th, 1930 in their farm house near Orange City.  She was the daughter of Jake and Hattie DeHaan.  She grew up on the farm and attended country school.  Her mother sadly passed away when she was just 15 years old.  She graduated from high school and on March 9^th, 1951 she married Al Gerritsen in Orange City.   They moved to Spencer two years later and raised three children together.  They were one of the first members of Hope Reformed Church in Spencer.   They were devoted to their church and had many close friends there.  When Marlly moved to Cedar Rapids in 2012, she attended church with her daughter and husband at the Cedar Hills Reformed Church.  She lived with Laura and Stew for 5 years before moving to Hiawatha Care Center.  Most important to Marlly was her husband Al and her family.  She was the most caring, loving mother and grandmother.

      Marlly is survived by her loving children: son, Rad Gerritsen of Spencer; daughter, Laura (Stew) Gehrls of Cedar Rapids and son in law, Dave Steinbeck of Spencer; six grandchildren: Chris (Caroline) Gehrls of Hiawatha, Jennifer (Tom) Willoughby of Urbandale, Chad (Whitney) Gehrls of Marion, Amy (Eric) Forrette of Sioux Rapids, Nick Gerritsen of St. Joseph, MN and Derek Gerritsen of Spencer.  She was also blessed with 10 great grandchildren.  She was especially touched when one of her great granddaughters was named Hattie after her mother and a few years later another great granddaughter was named Marlly after her.

      Marlly was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Al; daughter, Paula Uecker; brother and sister in law, Alwin and Phyllis DeHaan as well as her nephew, William (Billy) DeHaan.

      Marlly will be remembered as a quiet, loving soul.  Words cannot describe our sorrow, our love and respect for our mom and grandma.  She always considered her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren her greatest gifts.  She is loved beyond words and will be dearly missed now and forever.