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Marlis E. Blok

Marlis Edna Blok (nee Voskuil), age 88 of Baldwin, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2016 at the Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls.

Marlis was born March 23, 1928 in Emerald, WI, to parents Edward and Alice (Simmelink) Voskuil. She grew up on the family farm between Baldwin and Woodville, and graduated from Baldwin High School, class of 1946. Marlis attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and earned degrees in Art Education and Counseling. On March 4, 1950, she would be united in marriage to John Blok. Their marriage would be blessed with five children. Marlis worked as a teacher, having started in a one room school house and eventually working for the Spring Valley School District. After the death of her husband in 1968, Marlis returned to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls to earn a Masters Degree.

Marlis was an accomplished artist and created stunning works of art. She worked in sculpture, pottery, and macramé; often finding inspiration in nature. Marlis also enjoyed painting with acrylics, water colors, and oil paints. Marlis had the ability to make everyone she met feel welcome, and always encouraged her children to look at an issue from the viewpoints of others. She relished in reading books, especially those on philosophy; and loved to watch sports, cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers.

Marlis will remain in the hearts of her children, Ray (Cathy) Blok, Renee (Milo) Whipple, Linda (Kirk) Dressel, and Lori (Doug) Bee; grandchildren, John (Kelly) Blok, Sally (Nate) Steffenhagen; Brian (Tara) Whipple, Mark (Maggie) Whipple, Stacey (Jay) Nesseth; Tanner Bee, and Kayla Bee; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-granddaughters; sisters, Eleanor Engstrom, Dee (Lowell) TeBeest, and Carol (Reuben) Terlouw; brothers-in-law, Marshall (Sharon) Blok, Marvin (Cheryl) Blok; sisters-in-law, Sally Voskuil, Bernice (Bernard) Lewis, Elaine (Rich) Quinn, and Virginia (Rich) Lindus; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Blok; son, Jeffrey Blok; her parents; siblings, Lavern Somsen, Muriel Christenson, and David Voskuil.

Funeral services for Marlis will take place at 11:00 AM Friday, November 4, 2016 at the First Reformed Church, 1120 Eleventh Ave., Baldwin. A visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at church on Friday. Interment will take place at the Baldwin Cemetery. Memorials are preferred.

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