Marilyn Grother

Marilyn Grother, 91, of Marshalltown, Iowa, formerly of Eldridge, Iowa, went home to her Lord on June 19, 2026, and was reunited with her beloved husband, Bill Grother.

Marilyn was a woman of deep faith throughout her life. She was formerly a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, attended McCausland United Methodist Church in McCausland, Iowa, and most recently worshiped at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown.

Born to Edward and Pauline Munzenmaier, Marilyn graduated from North High School in Des Moines in 1953. She enjoyed a life filled with creativity, devotion, and love for her family. Marilyn found joy in sewing, crafting, and traveling with Bill. She was an avid walker who enjoyed spending time outdoors, often walking several miles each day while she was able.

Family was the center of Marilyn’s life. She took great pride in the accomplishments and talents of her children, following Mark’s career as a teacher and counselor, appreciating Tim’s poetry, enjoying Brad’s performances in theater productions, and admiring Steve’s gift for piano. She also cherished visits with her stepson, Al, and his wife, Sheri, in Florida whenever possible.

A gifted writer, Marilyn loved composing poetry and faithfully included original poems in her Christmas cards each year, a tradition that brought joy to family and friends alike.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Mark Church and Tim Church of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Brad Church of Ankeny, Iowa; her stepson, Al Grother (Sheri) of Groveland, Florida; and her nieces, whom she affectionately called “her girls,” Lynn (Blake) Blakesley of Providence, Rhode Island, Leigh Walters of Polk City, Iowa, and Rebecca Cartwright (Pete) of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Grother; her son, Steve Church; her stepson, Brian Grother; her brother and sister-in-law, Edward “Bud” and Donna Munzenmaier; and her parents, Edward and Pauline Munzenmaier.

Services will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, Iowa 50003, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Audubon Society, P.O. Box 682, Waterloo, Iowa 50704-0682, or online at iowaaudubon.org.