Marilyn Rychel

Marilyn Mae Rychel passed away January 21, 2022, in Davenport, Iowa. She was born March 23, 1941 to Howard and Helen Dann, and spent her early years in Sheldahl before moving to the Oak Park Neighborhood with her parents and siblings.

Marilyn attended North High School where she graduated Jan of 1959. Upon graduation, she moved to Germany with her, then Husband, Charles Wood, and her first-born Son. After moving back to the states, they went on to have 4 more children.

In the mid-70’s, she went back to school and attended DMACC, where she graduated and began her career as a Surgical Technician. In 1981 she married James Rychel. Together they started their own adventure with Marilyn’s Lounge. They also shared many trips together, whether it be Wrigley Field, Las Vegas or spending their anniversary in Hawaii, there was always fun to be had.

Marilyn took great pride and joy in her cooking and baking. She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed spending her spring/summer afternoons watching the Cubs; fall Saturdays watching the Hawkeyes; and her winter Sundays watching Jeff Gordon. She also very much enjoyed watching ice skating. Marilyn spent many years as a member of various bowling and pool leagues. Oh, and heaven forbid, can’t leave out her love for a good casino - day trips were the best.

Her love for family was evident. Anybody who was lucky enough to come into her life was treated as such. She also had a profound love for her animals.

She is survived by her husband, James Rychel; her children: Gary, Timothy, Howard (Toni) and Tanya (Kim) Wood; step-children: Ron (Blanch) Rychel, Valerie (Thane) Davis, Leslie Rychel, and Julie McClement; her brother, Gary (Toni) Dann; grandchildren: Tieysa, Heather, Beth, Brian, Tiffany, Courtney, Kiley, Stephanie, Quinten, and Kolby; as well as many great-grandchildren, 4 nieces and 1 nephew.

She was preceded by her parents, Howard and Helen; sister, Barbara, and her son, Donald Wood.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, where the family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Marilyn.

Print