Marilyn K.

A celebration of life for Marilyn K. (Small) Gingerich, 79 of Kalona will be held Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 10:00AM at the Kalona United Methodist Church in Kalona, with Pastor Gerry Kahler officiating.  Burial will follow at the Sharon Hill Cemetery in Kalona.  Visitation will be held Monday, July 2 from 3 a�" 8 PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona.  A memorial fund has been established for the Kalona United Methodist Church and Iowa City Hospice.  Marilyn passed away at her home near Kalona on June 29, 2012.

Marilyn Kathleen was born June 10, 1933 to Clifford A. and Edith Mae (Smith) Small.  Marilyn attended Peasant Hill grade school and graduated from Kalona High School in the class of 1951.  She attended one quarter at Iowa State University.  She was united in marriage to Duane H. Gingerich on December 7, 1952 and to this union was born four children, Ronald, Lowell, Kevin and Evelyn. Marilyn was a homemaker, and worked as a cook at the Kalonial Townhouse for 11 years. She was a lifelong member of the Kalona United Methodist Church, serving on many committees and as a Sunday school teacher, YF leader, and member of the choir.  She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, serving as District President, the Order of the Eastern Star (Past Worthy Matron) and Farm Bureau Women (President).  She enjoyed reading, puzzles and playing with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her loving husband, Duane Gingerich of Kalona, two sons, Ronald and wife Darlene Gingerich of Riverside, Rev. Kevin and wife Sue Gingerich of Bloomfield, Iowa, one daughter Evelyn and husband Vernon Smith of West Liberty, a daughter in law, Delores Gingerich of Riverside, 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, a brother, Rodney Small, two sisters, Linda and husband Roger Sprague and Miriam and husband Larry Plecker, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Marilyn in death were her parents, one brother, Howard Small, a son, Lowell Keith Gingerich, a great grandson, Lowell Elijah Gingerich and one sister in law, Billie Small.