Veronica (Marlys) Irene Spaeth

Veronica (Marlys) Irene Spaeth 8/12/1932 - 7/8/2014 Marlys Spaeth, 81, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, July 8, 2014 after a prolonged illness. With her for this journey were her children, Diane, Sharon, David, and beloved husband Sam. Veronica Irene "Marlys" Walbridge was born in Foreston, Aug. 12, 1932 to Tom and Hazel Walbridge. Later the family moved to Milaca where she attended the public schools. On Oct. 24, 1953 she married Sam Spaeth at the Church of the Holy Trinity in South St. Paul. The couple moved to Princeton to pursue Sam's job with the Great Northern Railway. In 1959, Marlys and Sam relocated to Park Rapids and started Spaeth's Grocery Store in 1962, where they worked together seven day per week. In 1978, they opened Sammy's Clothing Store where Marlys was manager and buyer. It was in this business where her personality shined. She loved visiting with all the people, local and tourists. In 1995, they retired from a life of joyful hard work and spent a couple winters enjoying the warm weather down south. Besides work, Marlys loved spending time with her family and friends. Marlys is survived by her husband of almost 61 years, Sam; two daughters, Diane Brophy of Park Rapids, Sharon (Jim) Peterson of Mahtomedi; and son, David (Lucy) Spaeth of West Fargo, N.D.; seven grandchildren; sisters, Eloise (Wayne) Myer and Patricia Walbridge of Minneapolis; one brother, Richard (Mildred) Walbridge of Milaca; along with many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary prayer at 7 p.m., Friday, July 11 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.