Marlies Osberghaus

Marlies (Oma) Osberghaus February 9, 1927 - December 15, 2025

Marlies Osberghaus passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by her genuine kindness and her tireless care for others. Born in Remscheid, Germany, on February 9, 1927, to Robert and Selma Dorken, Marlies radiated a natural warmth that stayed with her throughout her long and beautiful life.

In 1950, she married the love of her life, Werner, and began a new chapter in the United States. Together, they lived in Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, making lifelong friends along the way. Marlies defined home not by a physical location, but by the love she poured into those around her. Her grace and spirit ensured that no matter where Werner's career took them, their house was always a place of comfort and welcome.

Following Werner's passing in 1981, Marlies remained the heartbeat of the family. She raised and supported her children with a quiet strength and an open heart. Her commitment to her community was equally steadfast; she spent 28 years volunteering with the Saint Francis Hospital Auxiliary and worked for many years with her daughters at The Apple Tree.

Marlies learned to knit, crochet, and sew at the age of five. These skills became a lifelong passion, and she was a familiar face at local craft shows for 35 years-most notably the annual German-American Society Christkindlmarkt. She also found great joy in her garden, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Perhaps her favorite way to spend time, however, was gathered around a table playing games. Whether it was Uno, Hand and Foot, or Quiddler, Marlies was a legendary opponent. She was so consistently good at every game she played that her family often jokingly accused her of "cheating," though it was truly just her sharp wit and love for a good challenge.

Marlies is survived by 8 children: Erika, Kurt (Patty), Diana (Steven), Helen (Stephen), Roy (Christine), Mark (Laura), Sandra (Chris), and Brian (Stacey); as well as 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Selma; her sister, Helga; her husband, Werner; her son, Gordon; her grandson, Daniel; her granddaughter, Hannah; and her son-in-law, Bill.