June 1, 1937 – April 13, 2026
Marilyn Rosa Dolloff, 88, of Kensett, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, April 13, 2026.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Ave., Kensett, Iowa 50448, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the church. Burial will take place at Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Kensett. The family kindly requests guests wear pink or purple in celebration of Marilyn’s life, in remembrance of her and Marvin’s wedding colors.
Marilyn was born on June 1, 1937, in Minden, Nebraska, the daughter of John B. and Elsie V. (Podewitz) King. She graduated from Minden High School in 1954. That same year, she was united in marriage to Marvin Dolloff in Campbell, Nebraska, and to this union four children were born.
Marilyn and Marvin began their life together in Nebraska before moving to Washington, where they farmed on an 80-acre farm. In 1967, they moved to Kensett, Iowa, where they built their life and made it their forever home.
Marilyn was a hard worker who rarely sat still. As a young woman, she worked at the telephone company, transferring calls. After marriage, she devoted herself to being a farm wife and homemaker until her youngest daughter entered kindergarten. She then began working at Winnebago Industries, where she spent over 30 years on the line, eventually working her way up to parts coordinator.
She was a devoted member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, where she served on the church council, participated in circle, helped with Bible school treats, and faithfully attended services every Sunday.
Marilyn enjoyed yard work and took pride in her gardening, raising both produce and flowers. She had a love for watching things grow… everything except weeds. She loved to ride her bicycle, especially with her good friend, Marlene. In her younger years, she played slow-pitch softball and later enjoyed co-ed volleyball with Marvin, as well as fishing alongside him, often cooking the catch herself. Marilyn and Marvin also enjoyed spending seven winters in Arizona, creating many special memories together.
She was known for her turkey dressing and became a wonderful cook over the years. Marilyn also enjoyed her card club and valued the friendships she built there.
Marilyn had a warm and caring heart. She could be serious while raising her children, but later became known for her humor, teasing nature, and willingness to share her opinions. Above all, family came first.
She cherished time with her grandchildren, spoiling them in the best ways, taking them to swimming lessons, putting up a swing set just for them, and hosting group birthday celebrations simply to bring everyone together.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Gary (Lori) Dolloff, Teresa (Dean) Phinney, and Patty Reed; her grandchildren, Melissa (Scott) Keating, John Reed, Anthony Phinney, Matthew Dolloff, and Pamela Dolloff (Whittaker Gramley); her great-grandchildren, Vin, Emilia, and Ellie Keating; her sisters, Mae (Bill) Smith and Ann (Del Wattjes) Walter; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Dolloff; her son, Mical Dolloff; her parents; her grandson, Jack Keating; and her siblings, Billy (Joyce) King, Wesley King, Bob (Barb) King, and Lenora (Jim) Gentert.
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