Marlys Kutzbach

Marlys Ann Kutzbach age 78 of Elma, IA, died Friday, January 5, 2024, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma have been entrusted with Marlys' arrangements. (641) 393-2461 Marlys spent her early years attending school in Deerfield, where she developed a strong work ethic, walking uphill both ways to and from school until the 6th grade. Continuing her education, she attended the Alta Vista School for middle school and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1963. It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, Cliff Kutzbach, with whom she would later share a lifetime of love and companionship. Marlys and Cliff's love story began with a chance double date, and from that moment, their hearts intertwined. The couple exchanged vows on November 26, 1966, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Elma, Iowa, sealing their commitment to each other. Together, they were blessed with three children. The early years of their marriage saw the couple moving around the Alta Vista and Elma area before finally settling at their cherished home just north of Elma. Marlys, with her nurturing spirit, ran a daycare for almost fifty years, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the children she cared for. Marlys was a woman of many talents and held various jobs, including painting houses and working in the downtown Elma restaurant. Her love extended beyond people to include animals, and her home was a haven for a multitude of pets, ranging from chickens to goats. Some were even treated to the occasional indulgence of fruit loops if they behaved. In addition to her passion for animals, Marlys had a love for music and could often be found following her brother-in-law's band. She thoroughly enjoyed attending small-town dances throughout Northeast Iowa, creating cherished memories and spreading joy wherever she went. Marlys is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Travis) Bartz of Charles City, Claudia (Dean) Kutzbach of Ionia; one son, Travis (Christy) Kutzbach of Austin, MN; three grandchildren, Hayden, Kristian, Bayli; seven step-grandchildren, Britany, Marissa, Kyle, Raven, Joshua, Isaiah, Payton; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Darlys (Bob) Roethler of Waverly, Annabella Dohlman of Allison, Ida Mae Arenholtz of Dumont; and her beloved Westie, Bugsy. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clifford in 2016; two sisters, Bea and Jetty Jean; five brothers, Robert, Kenny, William, Ben and Chris.