Marlys K. Edler

Marlys K. Edler, 89, of Shannon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, faith, family, and cherished memories.

Born on August 24, 1937 to Merrill and Alta (Wubbena) Runte. Marlys was a lifelong resident of the Shannon area. She graduated from Shannon High School and later attended Rockford Business School.

On December 1, 1957, she married her beloved husband, Max Edler. Together, they shared a wonderful life built around their family, their faith, and the farm. As a farm wife, she knew the meaning of hard work and dedication.

She was a lifelong member of Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church and faithfully served her church family in many ways. Over the years, she served as organist, pianist, elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. Music was an important part of her life, and she shared that gift generously with her church and community. Her presence at church was more than a commitment—it was a reflection of the faith she lived each day.

Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She cherished family gatherings and watching family members in various activities. She enjoyed attending plays, traveling, sewing, and making memories with those closest to her. She had a special way of making family and friends feel welcome, loved, and important.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Mary) Edler, Bryan (Michele) Edler, Robert (Marcia) Edler, Kay (Greg) Nigg and Renna (Brian) Zumdahl, nine grandchildren, ten great - grandchildren, her brother Roger (Sue) Runte, brother-in-law Lynn Edler (Richard), and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Max Edler.

May she rest in peace, surrounded forever by the love she so freely gave to others.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

There will be a visitation at Burke-Tubbs in Freeport on Monday, October 12 from 4:30 - 6:30. The funeral service will be held at Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, October 13 at 10 am. She will be buried next to her husband, Max Edler, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory.