Marilyn Louise Pass, 94

January 15, 1932 - 

July 3, 2026

           

Marilyn Louise Pass, age 94, passed away peacefully and entered her heavenly glory on July 3, 2026. As a lifelong follower of Christ, Marilyn's faith was the foundation of her life. She truly loved the Lord, and it was evident in the selfless way she cared for others. Most importantly to Marilyn, she took her final breath in her own bed, in her own home, surrounded by her loving family.

Marilyn was born on January 15, 1932, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Thomas and Mary Ertel. Raised by her grandmother and aunts, she grew up alongside her siblings, Francis, Thomas, Catherine, Dorothy, and Betty after the loss of their infant sister, Barbara.

Marilyn met the love of her life, Bob Pass, while attending high school in Waterloo, Iowa. They were married on March 7, 1951, beginning a long and remarkable life together filled with love, adventure, and the joy of raising their six "warriors," as Bob affectionately called them. To Marilyn, those warriors were her heart and soul. Together, Marilyn and Bob built a life filled with laughter, memories, and a love that lasted a lifetime.

For 29 years, Marilyn worked at Donaldson's in Cresco, Iowa. Her time there was defined by the close friendships she formed with her coworkers—friendships that lasted throughout her life—and her famous cinnamon rolls, generously sharing her baking talents with the friends she made there.

Those who knew Marilyn knew her as a uniquely kind, compassionate, and loving person. Her laughter, radiant smile, and vibrant spirit lit up every room she entered, and her sense of humor was truly infectious. She possessed boundless energy, which she used to lift up those around her, expecting nothing in return. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, loved, and valued.

Marilyn genuinely loved connecting with people. She found great joy in sending cards and handwritten letters to those she loved, a tradition she continued until the very end. Above all else, she treasured her Bible, which she faithfully read every day until the very end. She was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Cresco, pastored by Tim Sir, and never missed a Sunday broadcast with Pastor John Hagee. She also cherished attending home Bible studies, where she deepened her faith and enjoyed fellowship with others.

Marilyn was a true foodie who loved trying new foods, traveling, and embracing new experiences. She brought joy to everyone around her and was widely known for being a gracious hostess who threw unforgettable parties. In the kitchen, she was a gifted cook and baker, and her family will forever crave her famous, unmatched home-cooked meals. Her kitchen welcomed everyone, and no one ever left hungry.

One of Marilyn's greatest joys was gathering her family together. In the final two years of her life, she was thrilled to host Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations with dozens of family members filling her home with love, laughter, and memories. She especially loved being part of the fun and joined in games like pie face, where she laughed the loudest of everyone and proved once again that she was always a great sport. Marilyn loved being in the center of everything, surrounded by the people she loved most, and those moments were some of the greatest gifts of her final years.

Marilyn also had a deep love and compassion for animals. She was a lifelong supporter of PETA and regularly donated to local animal shelters. Her kindness extended not only to people but to every animal she encountered.

Marilyn loved her family more than life itself. She was the best mom and grandma anyone could have asked for, and we were so proud and grateful to be hers. Her love, strength, faith, and devotion shaped our lives in ways that will continue for generations. She was the beloved matriarch of her family and leaves behind an incredible legacy.

Marilyn was united in heaven with her husband, Bob; her parents; her siblings; her two infant children Howard and Mary; her daughter, Cindy; her granddaughter, Jamie; her son-in-law, John; Sisters and Brothers-in-laws; her nephew, Sammy Jr.; and the many beloved pets who brought her so much joy throughout her life.

She is survived by five of her eight children: Brad Pass, Bob Pass, Carolyn (Rich) Baker, Cathy Opperman, and Charlene Brumfield (Mike); her sisters-in-law, Jane Campbell (Bob) and Marian; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Jackie Lynn, Wayne, Richie, Nicole, LaSarha, Cody, Cayla, Bob, Jenny, Casey, and Major; and her 11 great-grandchildren: Lexi, Eli, Caitlynn, Richie, Karly Kay, Garrett, Adriana, Bailey, Emmett, Carmella, and Ruby Rae. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the love and joy they brought to her life.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marilyn's memory to a local animal shelter in honor of her lifelong love for animals. Condolences can also be sent to 422 Pine Pl., Cresco, IA 52136.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who visited, brought treats, called, or simply spent time with Marilyn. She treasured every visit, every conversation, and every act of kindness. You will never know how much your love brightened her days or how deeply she loved each of you.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Tim Sir, NP Chad, and the compassionate hospice staff, Kathy and Shannon, for caring for and loving Marilyn like family.

The family also extends a special thank you to her lifelong friend, Jan Bruns, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond, and to Jean Ann Voss, her faithful prayer partner and dear friend.

A very special thank you goes to Marilyn's beloved sister-in-law, Jane Campbell, who faithfully remained by her side until the very end as they reminisced about the good old days and laughed together until tears filled their eyes.

The family would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to Amber and the staff at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home for their kindness, compassion, professionalism, and guidance during this difficult time. Your care and support have been a true comfort to our family.

Finally, the family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Marilyn's daughters—Carolyn, Cathy, and especially Charlene—for the devoted care they gave their mother during her final years. Marilyn was profoundly grateful for their unwavering love, sacrifice, and dedication, which made it possible for her to remain in the home she loved so dearly. Because of their compassionate care, she was able to enjoy a meaningful, joyful, and dignified life in the comfort of her own home. She laughed, ate, and prayed until the very end, cherishing every moment she was blessed to spend there with those she loved.

Marilyn was truly one of a kind. Her faith, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.