Marlys Louise (Giese) Fraley-Hanson

Marlys Louise (Giese) Fraley-Hanson of Northome, Minnesota went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 surrounded by her family at the Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Marlys was born on August 6, 1934 to Elmer and Edna (Mohr) Giese in Wood Lake, Minnesota. In 1946, she moved with her family to Island Lake in Northome, where she would build the life she loved. She attended Cunningham Country School and graduated from Northome High School in 1952. She continued her education at Bemidji State University. Marlys began her working years at North Itasca Electric in Bigfork, Minnesota and later at First State Bank in Northome. On June 30, 1956, she married Gorman “Gib” Fraley. Together they welcomed two sons: Lee and Dean. She also worked at the Farmer’s Co-op Creamery before beginning what would become a remarkable 40-year career at the Northome Clinic. Her dedication and steady presence there touched countless lives until her retirement in 1999. Gib passed away on October 12, 1991. On May 21, 1994, Marlys married Keith Hanson. After both had lost their spouses to cancer, Marlys and Keith found a special companionship in one another. Keith passed away on January 7, 2002.

Marlys had a deep love for her garden and took great pride in her yard. She enjoyed traveling and cooking Sunday dinners for her family. She was an active and devoted member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Mizpah, Minnesota, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and church treasurer for many years. She was also a dedicated member of the Bethesda Lutheran WMF, serving as secretary-treasurer. Beyond her church, Marlys served on the board of Kootasca Housing and volunteered with the Head Start Program at the Northome School. In her later years, she continued to stay active, working at the Northwoods Craft Store and the Northome Library. She spent as much time as she could with her children and grandchildren, cherishing every moment. In her later years, Marlys made her home at the senior apartments in Northome, where she enjoyed community, friendships, and being close to her family. Marlys loved the Lord with all her heart. It was evident in her kindness, her service, her steady faith, and the way she cared for others throughout her life.

Marlys is survived by her sons, Lee (Kimberley) Fraley and Dean Fraley, both of Northome, Minnesota. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Christian Fraley of Bagley, Minnesota; Dustin (Kristina) Fraley of Puposky, Minnesota; Lyndsey (Alexander) Fedorko of Kyle, Texas; Ross (Brianna) Fraley of Bemidji, Minnesota; Sadie Fraley of Kyle, Texas; Ryan Evans of Bagley, Minnesota; and Kimberley Hoodie of Kelliher, Minnesota; Jerry Hanson Jr. of Mizpah, Minnesota; Johnnie Hanson of Northome, Minnesota; Marlys was also blessed with 30 great-grandchildren. Sister, Lucille (Ron) Schuster of Mizpah and Brother in-law Vernon Bloom of Northome, Minnesota Minnesota and many nieces and nephews. Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Edna Giese; her sisters, LaVilla Fraley and Betty Bloom; her husbands,Gorman (Gib) Fraley and Keith Hanson; her stepson, Jerry Hanson; her grandson, Paul (Jeffery) Evans; her brothers-in-law, Harlan Fraley and Paul Anderson; and her nephew, Joel Fraley.

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