Marilyn Berns, 91, of Elkader, died Friday, December 9, 2016, at the Elkader Care Center.
She was born April 22, 1925, in rural Elkader to Jake Martin Steen and Mahaly (Knuth) Steen-Wolters.
She graduated from Elkader High School in 1943. Marilyn was united in marriage to Carroll William Berns on May 25, 1948. The couple was blessed with three children.
Marilyn worked at a sandwich shop in Fair Fax, CA, for a time while Carroll was in the service. Upon her return to Elkader, she worked at Hughes Bakery, also in Elkader. She was an active member of Peace United Church of Christ, where she was also a member of the Deborah Circle. She babysat for the neighbor children, enjoyed playing cards, doing crafts, baking – especially her special yeast breads, embroidering, sewing, doing crossword puzzles, gardening, taking care of her perennial flowers and going to Branson, MO. Marilyn served on the Central Community Hospital Auxiliary board for eight years.
Survivors include her children, daughter, Marla (Robert) Howlett of Independence, sons, Mark (Christine) Berns of Farmersburg and Marty (Cindy) Berns of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) Howlett, Daniel Howlett, Sarah (Doug) Mormann, Joseph Berns; two step-grandchildren Brian and Jason Hancock and two great-grandchildren, Zachary Howlett and William “Liam” Howlett; and a sister, Betty DeCook of Guttenberg.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, George Wolters; her husband; grandson, David Howlett; sister, Ingrid Clark and brothers, LeRoy Steen and Valoyd Steen.
Visitation: 4 to 7 pm December 12, 2016 at Leonard Funeral Home – Elkader and one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am December 13, 2016 at Peace United Church of Christ – Elkader, Iowa.
Interment: December 13, 2016 at East Side Cemetery – Elkader, Iowa