Marlys M. Gira

Marlys Gira, 89 of Wahpeton, ND, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.  Her funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home at 1 pm, with visitation one hour before the service.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Wahpeton. 

Marlys Marie Gira (Rasmussen) was born on October 21, 1935, to Dan and Mary (Jensen) Rasmussen. She attended school at Danton and Wyndmere public schools. She was united in marriage to Jerome Gira, son of Bert and Mary (Pausch), on July 31, 1953. They made their home in Wahpeton, where they raised two daughters: Linda and Mary Kay.

Marlys worked for T+J and the Elks Club. In 1969, she began a 30-year career at NDSSS, later NDSCS, retiring in 1999. After retiring, she volunteered at St. Francis Hospital for 10 years.

She was a member of Evergreen United Methodist Church, Hope Circle, V.F.W. Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and Eagles Auxiliary. She loved being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Reading, baking, crocheting, and embroidering were some of her favorite pastimes. Marlys and Jerry loved to travel, going to the West Coast to visit family and friends.

Marlys is survived by her daughters; Mary Kay (James) Smith and Linda (Larry) Swenson. Her six grandsons; Chad (Laura) Loosmore, Chris (Sue) Loosmore, Cory (Liz) Loosmore, Casey (Jen) Swenson, Mike (Jen) Swenson and Nick (Michell) Swenson. 13 great grandchildren; Griffin, Marlee, Emerald, Ruby, Casandra, Cody, Riley, Mya, Laiken, Liam, Scarlett, Carter, Bastian. Extended family, Valerie Nelson-Gira and Madison (Emily) Nelson-Gira and Mary, and Thia Uhren. Marlys is also survived by her sister, Mildred Strege, and sister-in-law Bev Rasmussen

Marlys is preceded in death by her husband Jerome, parents Dan and Mary, daughter Betty Louise, brother Duane Rasmussen, and brother-in-law Elmer Strege, and niece Diana Gira

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Evergreen United Methodist Church.