Marlys Fricke

Marlys Fricke, 84, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. Those wanting to celebrate her life are encouraged to share a good chat with a friend over a puzzle.

Marlys was born at home in Baldwin, ND to Dorothy (Schlittenhardt) and Adolph Schuler. Marlys, the second born of fraternal twins, was considerably smaller than her brother when born. In fact, she was so small that she was placed in a bread pan and settled in the oven to keep her warm. While small, Marlys had a feisty spirit from birth that she carried with her throughout her life.

Marlys grew up on a farm in Baldwin alongside her six siblings. She began her education in a single-room schoolhouse, where she had many adventures with her family, including a bike run in with her brother resulting in a broken leg. Marlys continued her secondary education and eventually went on to graduate from Bismarck High School. In September 1960, she married Ronald Fricke. Together, they raised six children, Marty (1961), Timothy (1962), Twila (1964), Matthew (1970), Tonia (1973) and Tara (1975), on the family farm near Baldwin. Marlys loved to cook, took pride in raising a large garden, and milked cows daily on top of raising her children. Outside the farm, Marlys thrived as an independent Tupperware consultant, receiving recognition as a top seller in her region.

Marlys was a skilled painter and subcontractor. She was very proud about owning and operating “MF Painting,” a painting, staining and wallpapering business for over 40 years. Her work was a great source of pride, treating others’ homes as if they were her own. Her meticulous, high caliber work was easily recognized. In fact, in newer dictionaries, when you look at examples under the phrase “hard worker,” it is rumored there is a picture of Marlys painting a home and outworking anyone else. If you ended up in her way or on her bad side, you’d know it - hearing a curse word (or five) from Marlys on the job site! Work was a source of joy for Marlys, and she wasn’t familiar with the term “day off”. 

Aside from work, Marlys enjoyed spending time with family, visiting, telling stories, giving advice (even unsolicited) and sharing a laugh. She was quite the conversationalist, including many opinionated takes on a variety of subjects. While in her company, you needed to budget enough time to listen to her position on any topic. She wasn’t concise, but she spoke with gusto. Conversations with Marlys were one of a kind. 

Marlys had a knack for home decorating and a keen sense of style. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, and took great delight in watching her grandchildren grow, blossom and raise their own families. She also loved animals and considered them family, holding a special place for them in her heart. Marlys was extremely thoughtful and was always first to remember a birthday or special occasion and reaching out to spread well wishes. 

When visiting her home, the Home Shopping Network was often on, meaning you’d probably get a very unique, yet practical gift for the next holiday. When she wasn’t watching HSN, Marlys would enjoy the comedy of Golden Girls, the drama of the Lifetime network, or plan her next meal after watching Food Network. With the TV on in the background, Marlys would often work on puzzles to keep her mind sharp, and she’d encourage you to help out when visiting. 

Marlys was an immensely hardworking and thoughtful woman. She touched so many lives with her unique personality and big heart. She will be greatly missed. Marlys and her family are truly grateful for the extraordinary quality of care and kindness she received during her time at St. Alexius Medical Center.

Marlys is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Eldest daughter Twila and husband Tim Thompson, their oldest daughter Tomi Thompson, husband Anders Johnson, and their newborn daughter Beni; and youngest daughter Tandi Thompson. Youngest son Matthew and wife Rebecca Fricke, their daughter Emma and husband Kyle Schatz, and their sons Eli and Samuel Fricke. Middle daughter Tonia Dodds, her step-daughter Ivy Castaneda and husband Adrian and young daughter Sterling, and her step-sons Fox and Jackson Dodds. Youngest daughter Tara Tomes and her daughters Bryn and Aida Tomes. Grandson Justin and his wife Marisa Fricke and their children Jake, Josh, Jolie and Jocelyn Fricke. Granddaughter Ariane Fricke. Grandson Jordan Fricke and his partner Nino San. Great-granddaughters Carter and Quinn Frank (mother Raelynn Fricke). Along with a beloved extended family, including many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her two sons Marty and Timothy, granddaughter Raelynn Fricke and son-in-law Tom Dodds. Per Marlys’ wishes, no services will be held.