Marlys F. Elke-Stark

   Marlys Faye Elke-Stark, age 80 of Cavalier, ND peacefully entered into God’s Kingdom on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

   Marlys Elke-Stark (Ganssle) was born September 5, 1943 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Garfield and Ella (Dietrich) Ganssle. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. Thomas, ND. Marlys grew up and attended school in St. Thomas, graduating from St. Thomas High School on May 19, 1961. She was proud to have attended all 12 years there! Marlys was a loyal servant to God and held an unwavering faith which she shared with those who surrounded her. She enjoyed trips to the casino, yardwork followed by a cold beer with salt, meals with no vegetables, a good shade of red lipstick - but her family was most important to her.

   She was united in marriage to Frederick Reinhold Elke on September 28, 1961 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. Thomas, ND. The couple lived in Grafton, ND, California, and later farmed in rural Cavalier for many years where they raised sugar beets, pinto beans, and two children – Curtis Frederick Elke and Melynie Faye Wolfgram. Marlys was united in marriage to Marvin Stark on August 30, 1997 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND.  

   She is survived by her husband Marvin Stark, Cavalier, ND, son Curtis Elke, Boise, ID, grandson Josh (Brittni) Elke, Klamath Falls, OR and their children, Laney and Hudson, granddaughter Carlee (Nick) Elliott, Liberty Lake, WA and their children, Elijah and Isabelle, grandson Tim Wolfgram, West Fargo, ND and his children Oakley, Finley, and Easton, siblings, Donald (Sharon) Ganssle, St. Thomas, ND, Deanna (Jerry) Loreth, Breckenridge, MN, and many loving nieces and nephews.

   Marlys was preceded in death by her husband Frederick Elke, daughter Melynie, parents, and brother Frederick Ganssle.

   Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be Monday, November 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier. There will also be visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services on Tuesday.  Interment will be at the Cavalier Cemetery.