Marlys Rae Sowers, 86 of Postville, Iowa died Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Northgate Care Center, Waukon, Iowa. She was born on February 14, 1940, in Shell Rock, Iowa, the daughter of Englebert and Lena Isabel (Vogt) Mixdorf.
Marlys was united in marriage to Donald Sowers on December 30, 1962. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and community.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Early in her career, Marlys worked as a substitute teacher, teaching secretarial and business classes. While raising her children, she served as a part-time administrative assistant at the Postville Presbyterian Church. She later worked for several years at Northeast Iowa Mental Health Center, where she developed many lasting friendships, including a special friendship with Susan Looney.
Marlys enjoyed an active social life as she loved to get to know people in Postville. She treasured time spent with her Canasta club friends, was an avid walker who regularly enjoyed her 2-mile walks around Postville, and participated in water aerobics at the Postville YMCA. She served on the Postville Town Council and was proud of their work establishing a small park in town. She also found great joy in reading, planting flowers, and caring for animals. Throughout the years, many cats found their way to her doorstep and into her heart. During her retirement years, she adored her rescue Bichon frise named Prince until he passed a few years ago.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Donald; her daughter, Lisa Sowers Taylor; her son, Terry Sowers; her grandchildren, Van Taylor and Allie Taylor; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Englebert and Lena Isabel Mixdorf; her brother Gordon and other loved ones who welcomed her into eternal peace.
Marlys will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to family, her love of animals, and the many friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Her gentle spirit and caring heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.