Marlys A. List

Marlys A. List, age 90, of Yankton, South Dakota, died suddenly on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton with her husband by her side.

Funeral services are 10:30 AM, on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton with Reverend Jacob Bobby officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, October 22 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church at 1009 Jackson Street in Yankton, SD 57078.

Pallbearers are Jordan List, Mitchell List, Nathan List, Randy Gross, Steve Gross and Brad Thompson.

Marlys Alida (Thompson) List was born June 21, 1935 on a farm in rural Volin, South Dakota to Merlin and Alice (Saugstad) Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Volin. Marlys attended country school at McFarland #12 and Lindbergh #76, both of rural Volin and graduated from Irene High School in 1953. Marlys married Donavon List at Zion Lutheran Church on September 25, 1955. They lived in Yankton during their entire marriage where they raised their son, Kirby. Marlys began a career as a secretary for several Attorneys at Law which she continued until her retirement in February of 2002, spending the last 36 years as secretary to attorney, Don A. Bierle, gaining many lasting friendships with clients.

Marlys has been active in, held offices and was a life member of several organizations including the Auxiliaries of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Marlys received numerous awards during her years with the various organizations. She celebrated her heritage with the Sons of Norway. Don and Marlys enjoyed traveling and rarely missed a conference of both State and National Enlisted Associations of the National Guard. They also attended many reunions of the 196th Regimental Combat Team, making lasting friendships.

Marlys was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Yankton and has volunteered for and worked at many activities of the church. She enjoyed sewing, reading, and baking – giving away many platters of goodies at Christmas time. Marlys also enjoyed going on walks with Don, raising flowers and volunteering. She loved being with family, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marlys is survived by her husband of 70 years, Donavon List of Yankton; son, Kirby (Carol) List of Hutchinson, KS; three grandsons: Jordan (Kim) List of Meridian, ID, Mitchell (Jennifer) List of Fishers, IN, and Nathan (Lindsey) List of Overland Park, KS; four great grandsons: Neil and Harvey, Jackson and Tate; two brothers, Thomas (Donna) Thompson of Yankton and David (Grace) Thompson of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Merlin Thompson Jr.; grandparents, Thomas and Anna Thompson, Oliver and Ida Saugstad; and parents-in-law, Jens and Marie List.