Marvel Alta Bartylla

Marvel Alta Bartylla, a 94-year-old of Browerville, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Staples.  Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Iten Funeral Home in Browerville, and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Browerville.

Marvel was born on March 14, 1931, at her grandparents’ home in Moran Township to Ivan and Alta (Hable) Lovelace. She was raised on the family farm, attended country school for eight years and Clarissa High School for four years, graduating in 1950. Being born to deaf parents, Marvel became fluent in sign language. This special ability enabled her to communicate with both deaf and hearing people.

On June 11, 1952, she married Kenneth Bartylla at the Moran/Germania Methodist Church. Marvel & Ken purchased a farm and began their farming career together. Marvel was actively involved in; milking cows, feeding the animals, driving tractor, running to town for parts and feed, to keep the family operation running smoothly.

 Marvel and Ken were blessed with four children: Beverly (Ray) Desotell, Dale (Amber) Bartylla, Bernice (Vern) Desotell, Brenda (Lynn) Hommerding; 11 grandchildren: JacyRea Almquist, Abby Burg, Kaylee Desotell, Nikki Rinerson, Tammy Maijala, ReAnn Thompson, Ryan Bartylla, Sarah Desotell, Laura Desotell, Amanda Joarnt, and Ashley Hommerding; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Marvel is preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Kenneth in 2001, one brother, Ronald Lovelace, an infant sister, Jane, and grandson in-law, Dan Almquist.

Marvel spent many years playing Tripoley with neighborhood ladies, was on a bowling league, and enjoyed doing puzzles and word search books. She was fortunate to live independently in her own home until July 2025, at which time she moved to the Clarissa Care Center. She loved visiting with everyone, going out to eat, and playing card games. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and their families.

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