ROCK FALLS — Marjorie Jean Bannan, 89, of Rock Falls, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marjorie was born May 18, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Edmond John and Emma Mae Schendel. She grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated from high school and later began a marriage and family life that would span decades.
She married Donald “Don” Bannan on May 11, 1957. Together, they shared more than 62 years of marriage and raised two children. Their home was built around family, faith, work and caring for the people around them.
Marjorie and Don raised their family in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. She worked for many years with the Farm Service Agency and also volunteered with Don through the local fire department. Family members remember her as strong, hardworking and deeply devoted to those she loved.
Her home was a place of routine, laughter and memories. One family tradition included Saturday cleaning days, with everyone helping while Neil Diamond played in the background. Marjorie also spent much of her life caring for others, including her parents, aunts and uncle.
After retiring, Marjorie and Don moved to the Rock Falls area in 2008, beginning a new chapter in North Iowa. She became known for her lemon meringue pie, especially at Rock Falls Days, where the dessert was so popular it often disappeared quickly.
Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Dawn Cunningham of Nora Springs; her son, Doug Bannan of Somers Point, New Jersey; grandsons Justin and Aaron Cunningham; great-grandchildren Harper, Wyatt and Owen; her uncle, Frederick Shirk; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and other loved ones.
Sheckler Colonial Chapel in Nora Springs is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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