Obituary for Linda Marie Marxen (Behnken)
Linda Marxen, 64, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Saturday, October 20, 2018, at her home.
The daughter of Otto and Donna (Schwanke) Behnken, Linda Marie was born December 9, 1953, in Atlantic, Iowa. She attended Anita Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1972. On April 2, 1972, she was united in marriage to Gene Marxen at First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota. For a short time, she was employed by Walnut Grove and then spent many years as a full-time homemaker and raising their seven children. She worked part-time at The Valley gas station as a clerk for several years. Later on, she worked in housekeeping for the Exira Care Center for 15 years until having to retire due to her failing health.
Line dancing was a pastime that she truly enjoyed and she taught classes in Wiota and several other places, as well. Seldom one to sit still, she loved to go horseback riding and maintained a large flower and vegetable garden and then brought her produce inside for canning and filling jars of colorful jellies. The fragrance of her baked goods often filled the home, her specialties being homemade bread and rolls. Every Sunday she saw to a traditional dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes and a vegetable. In her quieter moments, her hands and heart kept busy with crochet to share with others; even transforming plastic trash bags into artful throw rugs. Linda and Sarah always had a weekly outing whether it was going to the grocery store or the library. She was also an avid collector of angels. But most of all she loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.
Linda is survived by her children, Joshua (Sheila Conrad) Marxen of Audubon, IA, Faith (Joe Padilla) Bass of Elk Horn, IA, Elizabeth (Sean Alff) Blatny of Oakland, IA, Matthew (Jen) Marxen of Exira, IA, Daniel (Maggie Fender) Marxen of Exira, IA, Mary (Steve) Pedersen of Exira, IA, Sarah Marxen of Atlantic, IA; 17 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; brother, Steve Behnken of Anita, IA; sister, Kris (Jeff) Schuler of Atlantic, IA; special uncle and aunt, Dennis and Sue Schwanke of Atlantic, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at eleven a.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, with Pastor Mike Bodkins officiating. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date in the First Lutheran Cemetery. No visitation with the family present is planned.
Memorials may be given for the family for later designation.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Linda’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Linda Marxen
BORN
December 9, 1953 - Atlantic, Iowa
DIED
October 20, 2018 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 64 years, 10 months and 11 days
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 11:00 A.M.
First Lutheran Church - Wiota, Iowa
OFFICIANT
Pastor Mike Bodkins
ORGANIST
Donna Brahms
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
INTERMENT
Private Family Service
First Lutheran Cemetery
Wiota, Iowa
The family invites you to join them for lunch in the church
fellowship hall immediately following the memorial service.
Memorials may be made to the family for designation at a later date.
The daughter of Otto and Donna (Schwanke) Behnken, Linda Marie was born December 9, 1953, in Atlantic, Iowa. She attended Anita Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1972. On April 2, 1972, she was united in marriage to Gene Marxen at First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota. For a short time, she was employed by Walnut Grove and then spent many years as a full-time homemaker and raising their seven children. She worked part-time at The Valley gas station as a clerk for several years. Later on, she worked in housekeeping for the Exira Care Center for 15 years until having to retire due to her failing health.
Line dancing was a pastime that she truly enjoyed and she taught classes in Wiota and several other places, as well. Seldom one to sit still, she loved to go horseback riding and maintained a large flower and vegetable garden and then brought her produce inside for canning and filling jars of colorful jellies. The fragrance of her baked goods often filled the home, her specialties being homemade bread and rolls. Every Sunday she saw to a traditional dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes and a vegetable. In her quieter moments, her hands and heart kept busy with crochet to share with others; even transforming plastic trash bags into artful throw rugs. Linda and Sarah always had a weekly outing whether it was going to the grocery store or the library. She was also an avid collector of angels. But most of all she loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.
Linda is survived by her children, Joshua (Sheila Conrad) Marxen of Audubon, IA, Faith (Joe Padilla) Bass of Elk Horn, IA, Elizabeth (Sean Alff) Blatny of Oakland, IA, Matthew (Jen) Marxen of Exira, IA, Daniel (Maggie Fender) Marxen of Exira, IA, Mary (Steve) Pedersen of Exira, IA, Sarah Marxen of Atlantic, IA; 17 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; brother, Steve Behnken of Anita, IA; sister, Kris (Jeff) Schuler of Atlantic, IA; special uncle and aunt, Dennis and Sue Schwanke of Atlantic, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at eleven a.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, with Pastor Mike Bodkins officiating. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date in the First Lutheran Cemetery. No visitation with the family present is planned.
Memorials may be given for the family for later designation.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Linda’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Linda Marxen
BORN
December 9, 1953 - Atlantic, Iowa
DIED
October 20, 2018 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 64 years, 10 months and 11 days
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 11:00 A.M.
First Lutheran Church - Wiota, Iowa
OFFICIANT
Pastor Mike Bodkins
ORGANIST
Donna Brahms
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
INTERMENT
Private Family Service
First Lutheran Cemetery
Wiota, Iowa
The family invites you to join them for lunch in the church
fellowship hall immediately following the memorial service.
Memorials may be made to the family for designation at a later date.
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