Marla Jeanne (Delaney) Schiermeister, 68, Bismarck, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and child of God met Jesus July 28, 2026. Her celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 1 at New Song Church, 3200 N 11th St, Bismarck at 10:30 a.m. Following, her burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. For a time of fellowship, remembering Marla, and luncheon we welcome you to join together at Parkway Funeral Home, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck following the burial service.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck. A prayer service and time for sharing of memories will begin at 4 p.m.

Marla was born to Charles and Patricia (Pulver) Delaney on September 3, 1957 in Dickinson, ND. She was raised and educated in Dickinson until she moved to Bismarck during her high school years, graduating from Bismarck High School with the Class of 1975.

While attending a soccer game, Marla met Guy Schiermeister. They were married and together welcomed their two daughters, Marisa and Vicki, who became the greatest joys of their lives. Following their separation, they remained close friends, united by their love for their daughters and the family they had built. They continued to celebrate holidays and special occasions together, a reflection of the mutual respect and kindness they carried forward.

Marla welcomed and treasured any time spent with her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, sisters and siblings in Christ. Despite living miles apart, she and her sisters, who she fondly referred to as, "my sissys", always enjoyed any time spent together, whether family visits, traveling to Medora and South Dakota, holidays, or celebrating milestones. The two greatest loves of her life were family and her Faith in Jesus Christ.

Marla pursued her passion by attending cosmetology school, beginning a career that would span many years and touch countless lives. She devoted most of her professional life to Cost Cutters, where she was not only a talented and respected beautician, but also a cherished friend and colleague. What started as a workplace soon became a second home, filled with a family of coworkers and loyal clients who adored her. Many clients became lifelong friends, often remembering her with thoughtful birthday and Christmas gifts—a testament to the genuine love and appreciation they had for her. Marla took immense pride in her work, always striving to help others look and feel their best. Her talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence were recognized through numerous awards throughout her career, but the lasting relationships she built and the lives she touched were her greatest accomplishments.

Later in life, Marla followed her heart and found her calling while working at Pride, INC. She worked with individuals with developmental delays to help them achieve independence and the best quality of life possible. She enjoyed her time at Pride and worked until her health prevented her from doing so.

In her free time, Marla found joy in life's simple pleasures, including hobbies such as crocheting, rubber stamping, reading countless books, and baking. She loved any form of a puzzle game like Yahtzee, Scrabble, Upwords and Boggle. Always fashionable, her motto was that color made everything better, from her clothing, to jewelry, shoes, and home décor. Over the years, she found significant comfort in her feline companions.

The most steadfast factor in Marla’s life was her faith. She was an original member of New Song Church and supported the church as they grew throughout the years. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In times of happiness and in times of ill health, Marla’s faith in God never wavered. Knowing God’s Plan for her, she continually ministered to everyone she met. She may never have fully realized the profound impact of her kindness, encouragement, and faithful witness, but God used her to lead many to Him and the promise of eternal life. Her legacy continues to live on through remembrance of her inspiring, unbreakable, everlasting faith.

Marla is survived by her daughters, Marisa (Ben) Olesen and Vicki (Shaun) Riveland; seven grandchildren, Kylee, Laci, Jaron, Eliana, Samara, Tobin and Steven; great-grandchild, Reina; siblings, Gayle Burgess, Barb Binstock and Vicki (Pat) Peake; step-sister, Claudia Jahraus, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Charles Delaney, Patricia and Arlie Burgess; brother, Charles Delaney; sister and brother-in-law, Donna (Terry) Gulka; brother-in-law, Wade Burgess; former husband and friend, Guy Schiermeister; and her grandparents who played a special role in raising her, Marion and LeRoy Pulver.

Blessed is the life and legacy of Marla. She will be forever missed and loved by all those who knew her. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7