Marilyn Anderson

Marilyn Marlene Anderson, daughter of Thomas and Ella (Brensel) Kroger was born on October 28, 1936 in Audubon, Iowa. She was one of twelve children. She graduated from Audubon High School with the class of 1952.

 In 1954, Marilyn moved to Harlan, Iowa, where she met Gerald Anderson through her brother Louis. They were married on June 2, 1956 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. Six children were born to this union. Marilyn was a devoted homemaker raising her children while they were growing up and continuing to care for her family as they grew. Her faith played a significant role in her life, Marilyn was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 She was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and in her leisure time, she found joy in reading, putting puzzles together, and playing solitaire. But her favorite pass time was keeping up with her grandchildren’s activities.

 Marilyn passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, attaining the age of eighty-eight years, one month, and twenty-two days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Anderson, son, Mark Duane Anderson, and siblings, Louis Kroger, Esther Sutton, Violet Tucker, Lillian Roberts, Kenneth Kroger, Fern Parkhurst, Darold Kroger, Harold Kroger, Darlene Hansen, Beverly Obermeier, and James Kroger.

 Marilyn is survived by her children, Larry (Julie) Anderson of Red Oak, IA; Nanette (Todd) Miller of Sioux Falls, SD; Karlene (Terry) Jacobsen of Harlan, IA; Kelvin Anderson of Council Bluffs, IA; and Kyle (Melissa) Anderson of Omaha, NE. Her family was further blessed by her ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love and kindness.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Disabled Veteran Association or Immanuel Lutheran Church.