Kanellis, Marilynn Joan Flinders

Marilynn Joan Flinders Kanellis

June 21, 1929 - Dec. 3, 2010

Marilynn Joan Flinders Kanellis was born June 21, 1929, in Sutherland, Iowa, the daughter of Vernon S. Flinders and Eleanor Sweeney Flinders. After graduating from Sutherland High School, Marilynn attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), where she received her teaching degree.

While in Cedar Falls Marilynn met David N. Kanellis where they student taught at the UNI Campus School. They married Dec. 22, 1951, at St. Patrick's Chapel in Cedar Falls. Marilynn and Dave lived in Traer, Eldora, Union, and Spirit Lake, Iowa and Worthington, Minn., before moving to Iowa City in 1968. Marilynn spent most summers at the family's cottage on Lake Okoboji.

Marilynn was a 20-year employee of the University of Iowa's Communications Study and Division of Continuing Education, directing outreach programs to high school teachers and students. She also directed the University's three high school speech and debate tournaments each year. Following Dave's death from cancer in November 1994, Marilynn edited and published “Never Better” – a compilation of selected Dave Kanellis newspaper columns. 

Marilynn suffered from Alzheimer's disease. She resided at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Columbus Junction, Iowa, once her disease became disabling. Marilynn passed away on Dec. 3, 2010, at the age of 81. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James A. Flinders; and her husband. 

Marilynn is survived by her three children, Maureen and Richard Bridenstine of Columbus Junction, Iowa; Michael and Amy Kanellis of Iowa City, Iowa; Natalie Kanellis of Arnolds Park, Iowa and Alan Dankner of Hingham, Mass.; six grandchildren, Susan Bridenstine and Victor Armando Rojas of Uruguay, Michael Bridenstine of Los Angeles, Nick Kanellis of New York City, Alex Kanellis of Iowa City, Jacob Dankner of Cambridge, Mass., and Sally Dankner at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.;   two great-grandchildren, David Rojas and Mara Rojas; and many other relatives and friends.

A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7 tonight at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City, where the family will greet friends after 5 p.m. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Calvary Cemetery in Sutherland.

Memorial donations may be directed to the David Kanellis Scholarship Fund, c/o Iowa City Community School District, 509 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240 or Iowa Hospice.