Marlys A. Granberg, 70, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Tioga, ND passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Baptist Health and Rehab Home in Bismarck, ND.

Marlys Ann Tong was born on February 13, 1954, to Roy F. and Joyce (Hill) Tong at Mercy Hospital in Williston, ND.

She was baptized and confirmed at the Ray Lutheran Church. Marlys started first grade at the Temple School in Temple, ND. After that school closed she attended Ray Public School, graduating in 1972. She attended UND-Williston and obtained her License Practical Nursing degree. She started working as an LPN at the Tioga Community Hospital in 1973 and worked there for 23 years before retiring due to health issues. As a senior in high school, Marlys became ill with Lupus which affected her kidneys. She received a kidney donated from her younger sister, Judy, in September 1977, which was a perfect match.

On June 12th, 1976, she was united in marriage to Grant Iwen. This marriage ended in divorce. She married James Granberg on June 4th, 1982. With this marriage, she gained three children.

She was a member of the Ray Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council. She volunteered at the Norsk Hostfest for many years. She was also a volleyball referee and line judge for the area schools. Marlys and Jim lived in Tioga for many years until moving to Bismarck in 2012. In July of 2023, they moved to the Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Mandan. At the time of her death she was living at the Baptist Rehab and Health Center in Bismarck.

She lived her life to the fullest, always dreaming of a new adventure. She loved traveling, playing pinochle, going to Bingo, listening to Daniel O’Donnell and watching her families sporting events, whether in person or on the computer.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jim Granberg of Mandan; mother, Joyce Tong of Ray; children, Rendi (Travis) Olson of Dickinson, Reed (Shelly) Granberg of Hamilton, MT, and Lisa Olson of Ray. Grandchildren, Halle (Kai) Bertilrud of Dickinson, Logan Olson of Minneapolis, MN, Reagan Olson of Tempe, AZ; Cooper Granberg, Mason Granberg and Austin Granberg all of Hamilton, MT; Hayden Slikker of Pipon, CA, Lucas Olson of Fargo and Abby Olson of Ray. One brother, Roy J. (Lynn) Tong of Plentywood, MT; five sisters, Arlene Sprinkel of Milbank, SD, Nancy Elliott of Greenwood, NE, Teresa (Barry) Johnson of Williston, Judy (Red) Knox of Ray, and Carrie (Leston) Johnson of Bismarck, ND. One brother-in-law, Tom Franklin of Destin, FL. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and one aunt, Cora Weyrauch of Ross, ND.

She is preceded in death by her father, Roy F. Tong; brother, Alan Tong; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Franklin; brothers-in-law, Robert Elliott and Bill Sprinkel; grandparents, Orren and Cora Hill, Roy and Martha Tong, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.