June 23, 1952 — November 17, 2025
Marlys Kay Reiter, 73, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away at home on Monday, November 17, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rockford, with Father Frantz Augustin officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior.
Marlys was born on June 23, 1952, to Eno and Isabel (Hesse) Reiter in Charles City, one of five children. She was raised in Marble Rock, in a house with a huge, blossoming garden that she helped tend to as she grew up. Later, she graduated from the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School System, and spent many of her working years as a secretary, most notably as a district secretary for IDS Insurance in Burnsville, Minnesota, before settling in Mason City. In June of 1971, Marlys married Gary Heit, and her life was blessed with two sons, Rick and Dustin Heit, who will carry on her legacy. She spent many summers driving with the boys, taking them to visit waterparks and amusement parks across the Midwest, forging fond memories to last a lifetime.
Marlys was an outgoing and bubbly lady, who loved her friends, family, and especially watching her grandchildren grow up. Earlier in life, she had greatly enjoyed roller skating, which she truly excelled at. Later, she would enjoy gardening when presented with the opportunity.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Maxine Watkins; brother, Merlyn Reiter; and nephews, Melvin Reiter Jr. and Kevin Reiter.
Marlys is survived by her sons, Rick (Kim) Heit and Dustin (Ceison) Heit; her partner of 20 years, Monty Hansen; brothers, Melvin (Ann) Reiter and Alvin Reiter; and her grandchildren, Elizabeth Heit and fiancée Joe Hammond, Mikayla (Alex) Shultz, Michael Heit, and Kevin Heit.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Marlys Reiter Memorial Fund, 1540 Foothill Ave, Nora Springs, IA 50458.
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