Marilyn Kay Sweeney
September 04, 2013
Marilyn Kay Sweeney was born September 1, 1952 at the John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, Iowa to Paul M. and C. Marie Martensen. She passed away peacefully at the Taylor House Hospice facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy with her husband and son at her side.
Marilyn was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Monticello. The first 10 years of her life were spent living on the Martensen farm 6 miles south of Monticello. In March 1963, the Martensen’s and dog Mitzi moved into town. After graduating from high school in Monticello, Marilyn attended UNI and graduated in 1974 with honors and a major in music education. She received the Purple and Old Gold Award for Conspicuous Achievement in Music. The following two years, she taught music at the Rudd, Rockford, and Marble Rock Community Schools. On February 11, 1977, she married Peter M. Apel of Rudd, Iowa at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Monticello. They were divorced in February, 1981. He survives. On June 14, 1986, she married Kevin E. Sweeney of Dubuque at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa. He survives. In 1993, Marilyn received an accounting degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. On August 13, 1997, a beautiful and much wanted son was born, Jeremy Jacob-Edward Sweeney.
In addition to her husband and son, Marilyn is survived by her best, almost life-long friend, Roberta Johnson; her sister, Janice Woodroffe; numerous sisters and brothers in law; Maddie (her Miniature American Eskimo dog); her aunt, Ella Bohlken of Foley, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
In May of 1999, the Sweeney’s moved to West Des Moines where the family still resides. Marilyn was a substitute teacher for the elementary vocal music teachers at Westridge Elementary in West Des Moines. She loved her families, good friends, her dogs - Mitzi, Fluffer, Sasha, and Maddie; traveling, baking, playing cards, Jeremy's extended families, music, and most recently, volunteering at the Lutheran Church of Hope. In lieu of flowers, she would like memorials to be used for the education of Jeremy.
Marilyn’s family wishes to extend their thanks to the care givers of Caring Hearts Home Care, the nurses and aids at Taylor House, and Kevin’s sister, Kathy, for the wonderful care they provided to Marilyn and to the family. There is a special place in heaven for these individual.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 6 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will be on Saturday, September 7, in Monticello, Iowa with a service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Monticello.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Terry and Sandy Sweeney
09/14/2013
Kevin and Jeremy, we will always remember Marilyn's loving ways, her beautiful smile and exceptionally kind, generous heart. Her wonderful sense of humor. She was a special sister in law to both of us and we will miss her deeply. Her love for her family was so evident in her every action. Our hearts and prayers are with you as you grieve. We hope that you will find comfort in knowing she is forever with you in spirit, offering her guidance and love. May all of your beautiful memories of your life together bring you peace.
Espie Creech
09/10/2013
Kevin,
our thoughts are prayers are with you, Jeremy and your family! May your wonderful memories help you in this difficult time! I always enjoyed Marilyn's Christmas letters! Your friends Espie and Randy Creech
Merle Kuhns
09/08/2013
Janice and family,
You all have my prayers for your sister's passing, I remember the last time we saw each other at Oxford Jct., you and Marilyn were there with your parents to hear me play, such good memories.
May you cherish your sister's memories. God bless.
Dee Thigpen
09/07/2013
I was so sadden to hear of Marilyn's passing. I enjoyed knowing Marilyn and spending time with her in Newcomers and with friends. Please know you and Jeremy are in my thoughts prayers during this difficult time.
Pattie Klein
09/06/2013
Dear Kevin and Jeremy,
I am so saddened to hear of Marilyn's passing. She was such a special person, and someone I admired very much for her tenacity and love for her family. Marilyn will always be in my thoughts as someone who truly loved her family, and stood by them. She truly was a special woman, and I know she will be very much missed by those who loved her.
Bob Pommerich
09/06/2013
Kevin, I offer my sympathy to you and your son on the loss of Marilyn. I enjoyed having her and you in my Intermediate Accounting class at Loras. May she rest in peace.
Bill Woodhouse
09/06/2013
Dear Kevin,
Jon B. just wrote me about your wife. I'm so sorry for your loss.
PS I think often about the good times we spent together growing up in the Belmont/Loras neighborhood in good old Dubuque.
Jon Boeckenstedt
09/06/2013
Kevin, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. I hope your good memories of many years together will buoy you and your son after the pain passes.
Kristy Jorgensen - Chambers
09/06/2013
Kevin and family , Im so sorry for your great loss Marilyn was like a second mom to me when growing up. She taught me alot about the trumpet and even life in general. I will greatly miss her and she is in a better place and i know it doesnt make it easier but she will guide you , And just remember she is always there with you . Love to you all!! Kristy and family
Linda Ream
09/06/2013
Kevin and Jeremy - Thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family. Marilyn was a special person, so gentle, kind, and compassionate and it was an honor to know her. I enjoyed our talks very much. She loved her family with all of her heart.
Mary and Marv Ritt & family
09/06/2013
Kevin and Jeremy-We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Marilyn. We know her body was ill and she is now at peace. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers so you will have peace and comfort during this sad time.
Lori Acri
09/05/2013
Kevin & Jeremy - May loving memories of Marilyn fill your thoughts during your time of sorrow. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve O'Meara
09/05/2013
Kevin & Jeremy - My family's thoughts and prayers are with both of you. Rest assured your wife/mother is in a better place. My greatest hope for you both is to find peace in the time ahead.
Ron and Deb Schmudlach
09/04/2013
We are so sorry for your loss . . . Kevin and Jeremy, you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are glad to help with rides, meals, or whatever else you need. Marilyn was surrounded by your love and blessed by it . . .
Clyde and Sharon Killian
09/04/2013
Marilyn always had a smile to her! Our time as neighbors on Short Street and beyond has been a very special time with many memories!
Prayers and much love to Kevin and Jeremy and the family during this time!