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Marilyn Demers, 91, of Storm Lake died Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.
Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Nov. 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial was in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake was in charge of arrangements.
On May 18, 1932, Marilyn Jean Berry was born to Michael and Ruth (Cooney) Berry in Fort Dodge. She attended school in Cherokee, graduating in 1950. Marilyn was baptized and celebrated her first communion in the Catholic Faith. She also served on the church guild at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake where she was a faithful member.
Marilyn met the love of her life, Robert F. Demers, at the Cobblestone in Storm Lake. On Aug. 26, 1952, they were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee. Marilyn and Robert were blessed with seven children: Mary, Dianne, Sue, Carol, Steve, Joanne and Ron. Marilyn felt that raising her seven children was the “best job in the world.”
Marilyn was an excellent hostess and cook. She brought joy and laughter to the people around her and had a witty spirit. Marilyn was gifted at rhyming and wrote beautiful poetry. She enjoyed playing cards and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Marilyn especially loved golf and playing board games, especially Aggravation. More than anything, Marilyn treasured the time she spent with family. She could be found faithfully attending her children and grandchildren’s various activities. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish Marilyn’s memory include her children: Sue (Marion) Gibbins of Storm Lake; Carol Demers of Storm Lake; Steve Demers of Storm Lake; Joanne (Robert) Sippel of Lombard, Ill.; Ron (Katie) Demers of Sioux City; son-in-law David (Lisa) Leonard; 21 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Ruth Berry; beloved husband Robert Demers; daughters, Mary Schmitt and Dianne Leonard; grandson Alex W. Gibbins; son-in-law Lenard Schmitt; brothers: Jack, Chuck, Dick, Skeek and Bill; and sister Eleanor Berry.
