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Fobian, Marlene
Marlene Fobian, 77, of Iowa City, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2012.
A celebration of Marlene's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012 at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Burial will take place at the West Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Online condolences may be sent to
Marlene was born June 26, 1935 to Henry and Minnie (Hoinkes) Schimpf in McKeesport, Penn. where she graduated high school.
Marlene's family lived in McKeesport, Penn. and Sebring, Fla.
On December 12, 1953 Marlene married John Fobian in McKeesport, Penn., and moved to the West Branch area and later to their farm east of Iowa City. They farmed together, side by side, for 58 years.
Marlene enjoyed the farm life, from helping farrow pigs, to cooking, and always offering a bottle or can of pop for each and every person that entered through the door of their home. She was a woman with a heart of gold. She treasured her family and friends, and the humor that Marlene added to her family was priceless.
Marlene baby-sat for many years and loved each of these children as her own.
Marlene's true happiness was when each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. She loved the daily phone calls, the unexpected visits, and the sleepovers. She simply loved her family!
Marlene is survived by her husband, John, of 58 years; and their three sons and one daughter, Kenny (Linda) Fobian of Iowa City, Carol (John) Schneider of Lone Tree, Robert (Maria) Fobian of Iowa City, and Larry (Jean) Fobian of Iowa City. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica (Kyle) Lange, Jason (friend Jessica Anderson) and Matt (Carrie) Schneider, Courtney (Andy) Eckrich, and Dustin, Kelsi, Jake, Molly (friend Clay Embree), Rachel, Natalie, and Danny Fobian; and great-grandchildren, Rylan and Ashlynd Lange, Bryson Eckrich, and Cole Schneider.
She was preceded in death by her son, Michael John, who was 16; her parents; her two brothers, Herbie and Chuckie Schimpf; and her great-grandson, Oxen Eckrich.
Published July 31, 2012 in The Gazette
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