Marrianne Burkhardt

Marrianne (Munson) Burkhardt passed away on May 13, 2026, in Des Moines, IA, after a battle with cancer. She was 79 years-old and will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, compassionate heart, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Born on August 2, 1946, in Dexter, IA, Marrianne was one of five children born to Jerry and Mary Munson. She grew up in Monroe, IA and graduated from Monroe High School in 1964.

After graduation, Marrianne began a career in the insurance industry at Bankers Life, now Principal Financial Group, and moved to Des Moines, IA. Over the years she worked for the Iowa Medical Society, Continental Western Group, and Aetna Life and Casualty Company. She retired in 2000 and worked part-time at Premier Credit Union for a short time.

In 1965, she married Duane Burkhardt and returned to Monroe to begin raising a family – welcoming a daughter in 1966, and a son three years later. They moved to Ankeny, IA in 1970, and eventually settled in Des Moines in 1975. Marrianne and Duane divorced in 1984, though family always remained the center of her life.

Marrianne met Tom Henline while the two worked at Aetna. What began as friendship grew into a loving partnership, and they married in September 1986. Together they built a life filled with laughter, companionship, and many years of shared adventures. They lived on the south side of Des Moines until 2004, when they moved to Pleasant Hill, IA. In 2020, they became part of the Vintages senior housing cooperative community in Altoona, IA, now the Classic 55+ Community of Altoona CP.

Marrianne was a devoted mother, loving wife, proud grandmother, and loyal friend. She was known for her kindness, warmth, compassion, and wonderful sense of humor. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and accepted, without judging others and always offering a friendly smile or conversation. She loved music, dancing, decorating, and spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed watching The Voice television show and doing crossword puzzles with Tom each morning. In retirement, she helped homeschool her grandsons, was active in her housing community, and even began learning to golf before her cancer diagnosis.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; her children, Gina Burkhardt, and Chris (Carrie) Burkhardt; two beloved grandsons, Nick (Miranda) and Matthew; her twin sister, Marcia (Bob) Schnug; and her brothers, Tom (Beth) and Gary (Darla) Munson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry & Mary, and brother & sister-in-law, Steve & Marlys Munson.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for August 15, 2026, at the Classic 55+ Community of Altoona from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, 1427 34th Ave SW. Sharing of memories with the group will begin at approximately 2:00 pm for those who would like to share a memory or story of their time with Marrianne. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Animal Lifeline of Iowa or the Food Bank of Iowa.