Kessberger, Marilyn J.

Marilyn J. Kessberger, 88, of Iowa City, died peacefully Tuesday, April 30, 2013, after a lengthy illness at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City. A Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where visitation will be one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marilyn's memory to St. Wenceslaus Church, Iowa City Hospice, or Oaknoll Retirement Residence.

Online condolences can be left for Marilyn's family at www.gayandciha.com.

The daughter of John J. and Ruth Ray Swaner, Marilyn Joyce Swaner was born Aug. 31, 1924, in Iowa City. She graduated from Iowa City High School and attended the University of Iowa. She was a homemaker and enjoyed music, fine art, cultural events and home gardening. She also played piano for many years. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She married Edward L. Kessberger of St. Joseph, Mo., in 1945 in Iowa City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ruth E. Swaner; a daughter, Ellen C. Kessberger; and granddaughters, Ann Marie and Mary Lynn Kessberger.

Her surviving family includes a brother, James R. Swaner of Iowa City; children, John Edward (Rosemary) Swaner of Illinois and Lisa R. (Steven) Graham of Oklahoma; and grandsons, John Joseph Kessberger and Eric Graham; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Marilyn's family and her services.

Published May 6, 2013 in The Gazette