Marilyn Katherine Joerger

Marilyn Joerger, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Marilyn was born on November 29, 1937, to John and Anna Malloy in Grinnell, Iowa. She began her career as a nurse, reflecting her lifelong belief in caring for others. That commitment deepened in the home she built with her husband, Gene. Together they shared 65 years of marriage, raised six children, and opened their hearts and home to more than 130 foster babies over nearly three decades. For Marilyn, caring for babies was simply an extension of her faith, compassion, and quiet willingness to serve.

Life brought its share of challenges, including losing her parents as a child. She was taken in by her aunt and uncle, Martina and Harvey Kolthoff, and became part of their family. In 2004, she unexpectedly lost her sight, but not her spirit and she met this challenge with grace, optimism, and humor. She continued to enjoy family milestones by relying on Gene's (questionable) narration of events.
Of all her roles, being “Grandma” and “Great-Grandma” brought her the greatest joy. She loved holding babies and listening to stories as the grandchildren grew—always ending with laughter and her signature, “Oh, golly!”

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Malloy; her brother, Francis Malloy; and her aunt and uncle, Martina and Harvey Kolthoff.

She is survived by her husband, Eugene Joerger; her six children, James (Michelle) Jaeger, Steve (Linda) Joerger, Bob (Amy) Joerger, Linda (Tom) Cross, Jeff (Michelle) Joerger, and Laurie (Tom) Flynn; her 22 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Mike (Jeannette) Kolthoff and Jane Gaffney, cousins whom she considered siblings.

Marilyn will be deeply missed by her many friends and the caring staff at Deerfield Retirement Community, who remained an important part of her life in her last few years.

Visitation will be held from 6–8 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday, December 1, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane in Waukee. The service will also be livestreamed and will be shown below.

The Catholic Charities Adoption Program held special meaning for Marilyn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Catholic Charities, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, or online at www.catholiccharitiesdm.org/donate, noting your gift is in Marilyn’s memory.

Condolences may be shared at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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