Foss, Marion Irene

Marion Irene Foss, 87, of La Porte City, died Saturday, May 22, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids of natural causes. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City, with Pastor Mike Gudka officiating. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and also will be held one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery, La Porte City.

Marion was born Sept. 8, 1922, on the family farm in rural Garrison, Iowa, the daughter of Harry Roscoe and Alpha Irene Cross Merchant. She was a 1940 graduate of Garrison High School and worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids before her marriage. On Oct. 29, 1944, Marion was united in marriage with Aiden Ashley “Bud” Foss in La Porte City. He preceded her in death on Sept. 18, 2006. Marion farmed with her husband and was a devoted wife and mother.

Marion was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City. She was active in the Joy Gentleness Circle at church. She loved dancing, playing cards, fishing and traveling. Her greatest joy in life was her family.

Marion is survived by one son, Richard (Lynette) Foss of La Porte City; two daughters, Pamela (Otto) Claassen of Van Horne and Nancy (Bernard) Jones of Marshalltown; one sister, Jean Sides of La Porte City; three grandchildren, Joseph (Brenda) and James Notch and Brenda Anderson; and one great-grandchild, Madeline Notch.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud; four brothers, Clyde and Myron Merchant and two brothers in infancy; and two sisters, Kathryn Jensen and Maxine Kearns.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte City Ambulance Service, St. Paul United Methodist Church or Camp Courageous.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Marion and her family. Condolences may be left at