Hirleman, Marjorie Ann (Youngstrom)

Marjorie Ann (Youngstrom) Hirleman, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center from complications of a heart attack. There will be a private burial. Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 3, 2013, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is handling arrangements.

Marjorie was born June 30, 1922, in Burlington, the daughter of Esther Hilma (Bloom) and Ernest Christopher Youngstrom. After a year at Burlington Junior College, she attended the University of Iowa and graduated from there in 1945 with an R.N. and Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She married Hal Ray Hirleman on May 13, 1944, in Iowa City. After she graduated, she joined Ray in Duluth, Minn., where she was a supervisor of the Neo-Natal Department at St. Luke's Hospital. When Ray was sent to Germany with the Army, she returned to Burlington and worked at Burlington Hospital in Obstetrics and the Nursery. She joined Ray in Germany for his remaining tour of duty where they had their first child, Lynne. The couple then lived in Flint, Mich., for 3 1/2 years where their second daughter, Nan, was born.

In 1951, the couple settled in Cedar Rapids, where they had two more children, Mike and Beth. They made their home in Cedar Rapids for over 60 years and had many wonderful friends. In the 1960s, Marj was affiliated with the Red Cross, where she taught various classes. In the 1970s, she was employed by the Linn County Health Department as a communicable disease control investigator.

She volunteered many places, including Mercy Hospital's Well Baby Clinic. Marj said the five happiest days of her life were the days her four children were born and the day she reunited with Ray in Germany.

She was a 60-year member of PEO Chapter II, member of College Club and was a faithful member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church since 1951.

Those who survive to honor her are her children, Lynne Hirleman (Cal Coquillette), Nan Hirleman and special friend David Balch, Mike (Nancy) Hirleman and Beth (Kevin) Houlahan; eight grandchildren, Laura Aalborg-Sartain, Hannah and Jacob Aalborg, Ryan Tang and Brett Robinson, Scott Hirleman and Zach and Keeley Houlahan; two great-grandchildren, Christian and Phillip Tang; and a number of nieces and nephews who live throughout the Midwest.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ray; son-in-law, Terry Aalborg; a sister, Marian; and a brother, Ralph.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, nurse and friend, Marj had many interests, hobbies and accomplishments. She loved to dance and took lessons in tap, modern, ballet, Spanish and East Indian from Diemann and Bennett Dance studios for many years and was still performing at recitals into her 70s. She especially loved to dance with Ray at parties. She loved to play and watch tennis and played in many bridge clubs with friends. She was a knitter and knit clothes, afghans and Christmas stockings for every member of her family. She painted, made crafts, sewed her own clothes and did countless craft projects. She was also an excellent cook. Her Swedish rye bread was delicious.

Memorial contributions can be made in Marjorie Hirleman's name to: 1) Community Health Free Clinic, 947 14th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401; 2) The African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401; 3) Smile Train (a philanthropic group of doctors who repair facial abnormalities, including cleft palates in children) 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.

Published Dec. 9, 2012 in The Gazette