Marcia Ann Ohde

Marcia Ohde, 79, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA, due to complications from longstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and a related lung disease that recently progressed.

Marcia was born January 25, 1947, to Jake and Helen (Keller) Sneller in Des Moines, IA. She attended Park Avenue Elementary and Lincoln High School, where she played on the golf team and made lifelong friends. Growing up, Marcia cherished family road trips to California to visit relatives—one highlight was attending the Rose Bowl. She later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Iowa State University, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. During her senior year, she would meet her husband and love of her life, Doug, on a blind date. The two were married on February 28, 1970.

Marcia’s family was the center of everything to her. She was a devoted and supportive wife, mother and grandmother. No matter the distance, she loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, always knowing the details and asking a million questions so she could share in every moment. She was welcoming, steady, and genuine—an optimist who made it easy to feel loved. She left no doubt amongst her family that they were loved deeply.

Marcia dedicated her career to teaching in the Des Moines Public School system at Maple Grove, Jefferson, Perkins, and Hanawalt. Many of her years were spent teaching kindergarten, where she was beloved by students and parents and took great pride in giving children their first step into school. Over the years, she also formed lasting friendships with fellow teachers—relationships she treasured deeply. Teaching was truly one of her great loves.

A proud Cyclone, Marcia was a longtime Iowa State fan and season ticket holder for football, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. In retirement, Iowa State athletics became one of Marcia and Doug’s favorite pastimes—second only to time spent with their family.

Marcia was also a wonderful friend who truly enjoyed time with those dearest to her, whether through organizations like PEO and Westminster Presbyterian Church or in the everyday joys of “book club”, bridge, bunco, coffee, dinner dates, and Iowa State tailgating.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Doug Ohde; her children, Laura Price (Todd) of Golf, IL, and Mark Ohde (Amy) of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren, Cassidy Price of Chicago, IL, and Allison Ohde and Ryan Ohde of Atlanta, GA; her brother, Joe Sneller (Debbi) of Lincoln, NE; her siblings-in-law, Sharon Ohde of Andover, MN, JoAnn Bilunas (Don) of North Branch, MN, Dave Ohde (Cherol) of Cheyenne, WY, Maureen Pollpeter (Randy) of Clinton, IA, and Roxanne Dilly (Kevin) of Clear Lake, MN; and a host of extended family and friends.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Helen Sneller as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents.

If you are truly moved to do something in the spirit of Marcia please send someone you love a card. She was a faithful card-giver who never missed an occasion. She was deeply touched by the many cards and messages she received over the last month.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Arthritis Foundation in support of rheumatoid arthritis.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, with visitation taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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