Marlys Bernard

Marlys Ann Dreier Bernard passed away Jan. 21, 2026 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. A memorial will take place privately at a later date. Marlys was born April 9, 1945 to Morris and Marian (Bahr) Dreier. She was their third daughter. She grew up on a farm just east of Hubbard where she developed a strong work ethic and desire to do the job right. Marlys attended New Providence school until third grade and then went to Hubbard school where she graduated in the class of 1963. Growing up included good family times at the Dreier timber with picnics, fishing in the summer, and ice skating in the winter and of course skipping rocks at the creek. She also loved her group of school friends and their slumber parties.

She received her teaching degree in three years from Morningside College in Sioux City by attending classes in the summers. She was always anxious to become a teacher. Her first teaching job was at Washington Junior High School in Washington, where she taught Language Arts, produced a play and played on the teachers' volleyball team. She then taught in San Antonio, Texas for a year. Her next teaching job was on the Army base in Baumholder, Germany. This lasted three years while her husband served in the Air Force. Traveling all over Europe was an extra bonus to this assignment.

After living in Colorado for a year and having a son, Brian Williams, Marlys got divorced and moved back to Iowa in 1977. She received her Special Education endorsement from Iowa State University while teaching English and American Literature at the State Training School in Eldora. Her main interest was being a mother to Brian, having fun times with him and attending all of his activities.

On May 3rd, 1987, Marlys married Ed Bernard in the Dreier timber. Ed also taught at the State Training School. They especially enjoyed playing cards, going to movies, and being with friends. After teaching at STS for 30 years, Marlys retired in 2007.

Marlys was an active member of the Eldora United Methodist Church, serving on committees, and being in charge of the prayer chain. She loved to read, play games, go to movies, volunteer at the Eldora Public Library, and laugh with friends.

Marlys is survived by her son, Brian Williams, his wife Beth and their children Aiden, Koen, and Dulaney; as well as her two stepsons TJ and Jason Bernard. She is also survived by her sisters Mavis (Al) Streyffeler and Marcia Eller, and other friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Ed, and two brothers-in-law.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences can be made at AmesCremation.com.

Praise be to God for the life of Marlys Dreier Bernard.