Marlys Jean Dixon-Houtman, 95, died Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Eidsness Funeral Home at 10:00 AM.  Burial will immediately follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to return to the funeral home following burial to share in a meal and fellowship.  A time of visitation will be held the evening prior, Friday, February 11, 2022, from 5-7 PM at Eidsness Funeral Home.

Marlys was born on January 12, 1927, to Lawrence and Hilda Goodroad at Castlewood, SD.  She moved to Deuel county at the age of two years.  She received her grade school education at Hidewood Valley High School in Brandt and her Teaching Degree from General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD.  Marlys taught country school in Deuel county of SD.

In 1947, Marlys married Duane Dixon from Madison, SD, and they moved to Brookings, SD.  Duane passed away in 1977.  Four children were born to this marriage.

In 1981, Marlys married Gerald Houtman and they owned the business of Houtman Carpentry & Construction.  Gerald passed away in 2012.  This marriage brought four step-children into her life.

Marlys worked at the local Coast to Coast store for 28 years.  She enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, camping, bowling, and spending time with her family.

Marlys was a member of the Methodist church, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and was in the Women Bowlers Hall of Fame.

Marlys is survived by six children: Bruce (Carleen) Dixon, of Brookings, Sandy (Steve) Whitaker, of Brookings, George (Ronda) Houtman, of Brookings, Nanette Carr, of Waterville, MN, Brenda (Gene) Volkers of Volga, and Tim Houtman, of Brookings.  She is also survived by two daughters-in-law: Cindy Dixon, of Aurora, and Jaylene Dixon-Clark, of Maryland; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and one sister, Darlene Johnson, of Watertown.

Preceding her in death are her husbands, Duane Dixon and Gerald Houtman; sons, Ronald Dixon and Dale Dixon; her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, family suggest that memorial donations be made in Marlys's memory to the Dakota Nature Park in Brookings.

Memorials may be made out to "City of Brookings" with a memo denoting a donation to the Dakota Nature Park

City of Brookings
520 3rd Street, Suite 230
Brookings , SD 57006