Marlys Carpenter

MARSHALL–Marlys Carpenter, age 67, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall, Minnesota. A Traditional Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. The afternoon will conclude with a Prayer service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, in the Vesta Cemetery in Vesta, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to local hospice organizations. An online guestbook is available at www.hamiltonfh.com.

Marlys Kay Kotval was born on February 2, 1959, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Kenneth and Bonnie (Verhaake) Kotval. She grew up in the Marshall area and graduated from high school with the class of 1977. During the summer between her junior and senior years, Marlys began working at Schwan’s, where she would build a dedicated and noteworthy career.

On June 24, 1995, Marlys was united in marriage to Curtis Carpenter at St. James Episcopal Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Together, they made their home in Marshall and were blessed with their son, Chris.

Marlys devoted 36 years to her work at Schwan’s, serving in various roles with pride and commitment. She especially took pride in her position as a dispatcher for Schwan’s truck operations at their central location before retiring in 2011 due to health challenges related to multiple sclerosis. Marlys found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including a good game of bowling and the exhilarating freedom of motorcycle rides.

Marlys Kay Carpenter died peacefully with her husband by her side on April 13, 2026, in Marshall, Minnesota. She reached the age of 67 years, 2 months, and 11 days. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her husband, Curtis Carpenter of Marshall; son, Chris Carpenter of Marshall; stepbrother, Don Dagner of Redwood Falls; uncle, Mike Paulson of Tracy; aunt, Joyce Paulson of Marshall; cousin, LaVae Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD; other relatives and friends.

Marlys was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Kenneth (JoAnn) Kotval; mother, Bonnie Kotval; siblings, Bruce Kotval and Tammy Kotval Rozell; stepsiblings, Bruce Dagner, Bill Dagner, Stacy Dagner; grandparents, George (Pearl) Kotval, and Henry (Evelyn) Verhaake.

Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. 507-532-2933