Marilyn J. Wacker

MARILYN J. WACKER

Hiawatha

Marilyn J. Wacker of Hiawatha, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 10, 1932, in Randalia, Iowa, to Siegmund and Adella (Pipho) Bartels. She graduated from Maynard High school in 1950 and over the years always attended her high school reunions. She moved to Waterloo after graduation and held office jobs at both Raths and John Deere. She enjoyed dancing on the weekends with friends and that is how she met her future husband. She married Eldo W. Wacker on May 10, 1953, after he returned from serving in the Korean War. They farmed in northeast Iowa for 12 years, where they had four children. Then they moved to Hiawatha, where she lived out the rest of her life. Marilyn worked for over 20 years for the Cedar Rapids School District food service.

After retiring she traveled the world with her family and wonderful friends. Many of these vacations included international cruises where Marilyn and her friends enjoyed deciding where their next adventure would take them. She always delighted us with her travel stories and amazing encounters. Marilyn was loving, thoughtful, kind and devoted to her family and friends. Marilyn had a beautiful smile, enjoyed reading, playing cards, shopping, traveling and dining out. She was very social and enjoyed her involvement with Welcome Wagon. Marilyn's life was focused around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her great pride and joy. Memories of mom will be forever cherished in our hearts. We thank our family and friends for their outpouring of love and support.

She is survived by her family, Tom Wacker of Hiawatha; Bonnie (Atlee) Wong and grandchild, Olivia of Maple Grove, Minn.; Jane (Paul) Pate and grandchildren, Jennifer, Amber (Curtis) and Paul III of Marion; David (Shelley) Wacker and grandchild, Blake of Largo, Fla.; brother, Russell (Mary) Bartels of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Nina and Wanda.

She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Robert Bartels; as well as several good friends.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Ghosh and his staff for their excellent care and her family physician Dr. Stahlberg. We are extremely grateful to the Mercy Hospice team for their help in her final days.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. Friends may visit with the family at 12:30 p.m. Burial: Cedar Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Ghosh Foundation, P.O. Box 1248, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406. Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.