Marliss Hawkinson

Marly Hawkinson, 77, of Adair, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2007, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa.

Marliss John Hawkinson was born on July 2, 1930, in Nora Township, Minnesota, the son of Carl H. and Agnes (Kopitzke) Hawkinson. He was baptized into the Lutheran Church in September of 1930, at Morris, Minnesota.

Marly graduated from Morris High School in 1948. After graduation he joined the United States Army. He served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1948 to 1952.

He returned from the service and began driving a semi for Loeffler McRoberts in Morris, Minnesota. Marly worked most of his life in foodservice. He was a manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Omaha, Nebraska, for many years. After leaving Omaha he moved to Avoca, Nebraska, where he owned and operated Marly's Lounge and Steakhouse. Marly moved to Adair, Iowa, in 1989, and began working for Happy Chef. He retired in 1995 and went to work for Schafer Systems part-time.

Marly was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair, Adair VFW Post#8877, and Mizpah Mason Lodge #302 in Grand Junction, Nebraska.

He enjoyed being around his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Marly was an avid card player.

Marly is survived by Sherry Ehlers and her husband, Clayton of Weeping Water, Nebraska; grandsons, Eric Ehlers and his fiancé, Amanda of Montana, and Craig Ehler of Lincoln, Nebraska; great-grandson, Elijah Ehlers; son, Steve Hawkinson and his wife, Vicki of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and their children, Michelle and Christina; two brothers, Delmar and Elwood Hawkinson; and special friend, Odella Roof of Adair, Iowa.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl H. and Agnes Hawkinson.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at the Hockenberry-Mullen Funeral Home in Adair, Iowa.

Visitation with the family present will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2007, at Hockenberry-Mullen Funeral Home in Adair.

Hockenberry-Mullen Funeral Home in Adair, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.