Marlene Marie Grimm 87, of Elgin, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Gundersen Palmer Hospital in West Union, Iowa surrounded by family and friends. Marlene was born May 24, 1936 to Howard and Edith (Holzer) Medberry in West Union, Iowa. Marlene was baptized and confirmed at the Illyria Community Church. She attended Country School #2 and graduated from Elgin High School.
On September 30, 1956 she was united in marriage with John David Grimm at the Illyria Community Church and to this union five children were born.
Marlene spent much of her married life as a homemaker and working with John on the farm. Later in life she provided care for a child with special needs and her grandchildren, which brought her much joy. She also put her cooking skills to use working in the lunch department of the Valley School system.
Marlene was involved in her church and community. She was active in the Illyria Ladies Aid, was the church custodian and worked many parish events. Marlene served as the superintendent of the textiles booth at the Fayette County Fair and was a 4-H leader. She was also a member of the Fayette County Cowbelles.
Marlene loved to spend time with her family and could always be found making a treat or meal for those she loved. Crocheting, gardening, coloring pictures on her iPad to share with friends, baking breads and trying new recipes gave her great enjoyment.
Surviving Marlene are her husband, John Grimm of Elgin, Iowa; children, Mike (Julie) Grimm of Wadena, Iowa, Denise (Mark) Nelson of Clermont, Iowa, Sandy (Chuck) Watson of West Union, Iowa, Judy (Brian) Franzen of Decorah, Iowa and Jason (Karen) Grimm of Frisco, Texas; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one sister, Meg (Bill) Moellering of West Union, Iowa.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Edith Medberry; brother, Eugene Medberry; sister-in-law, Marilyn Medberry; mother and father-in-law Norman Franklin and Mary (Cairy) Grimm and grandson-in-law, Brad Berns.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 am with a visitation from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Illyria Community Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Pam Reinig as the officiant.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.