Marlis was born Feb. 18, 1931, in Hampton, Iowa, to Henry and Margaret (Uilk) Miller. She grew up in Hampton and graduated from Hampton High School.

On Feb. 4, 1951, she was united in marriage to Willis (Bill) Janssen at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, Iowa. She and Bill then moved to Arizona as Bill was enlisted in the Air Force. They moved back to Hampton fall of 1955 and in November of 1959 they moved to Minnesota and took up farming, living in the LeRoy, Elkton and Austin areas, farming and raising the family.

Marlis became involved with horses in 1963, starting the LeRoy Saddle Club, later joining the Mower County Trailblazers and Lyle Line Riders. She was very active in the 4-H horse program in Mower County, being the superintendent at the Mower County Fair Horse shows. Marlis enjoyed working with horses  and was a long time member of the Minnesota Paint Horse Association.

Survivors include daughter, Barbara (Bruce) Kvittem of Kenyon, Minnesota, sons, Larry (Melanie) Janssen of Austin, Steven (Lori) Janssen of Austin, and Scot (Amy LeTendre) Janssen of Austin; six grandchildren, Vicky (Neil Buchholz) Shorter, Becky Krahn, Ashley (Justin) Michels, Haley Janssen, Shelby (Wade Sundell) Janssen and Cole Janssen; five great grandchildren, Lacy Krahn, Nicole (Travis Freiheit) Shorter, Cody Krahn, Hunter Krahn & Cash Krahn, and one great-great grandchild, Trentyn Freiheit and one brother, Eugene (Sharon) Miller and several nieces and nephews.

Marlis is proceeded in death by her parents, husband Bill; and two brothers, Melvin and Wendell Miller.

A memorial service is being held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Ruby Rupner Auditorium located at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Friends are invited to this service to share wonderful memories with the family.

Memorials are preferred to the Adams Health Care Center.

Condolences can be left online at www.mayerfh.com.