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Marilyn Edith Bolte, 93, of Albert City died June 20, 2026, at Correctionville Specialty Care.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, June 27, at 2 p.m. at Evangelical Covenant Church in Albert City. Burial will be in Fairfield Township Cemetery in Albert City. Visitation will be held Friday, June 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City.
Marilyn Edith (Murphy) Bolte, daughter of Donald “Dutch” Murphy and Marion “Betty” (Windenburg) Murphy was born Nov. 14, 1932, at home near Lamont. Marilyn was born weighing only four pounds, small enough to place in a shoe box. In 1935, when Marilyn was two years old, the family moved to a farm near Arlington. Marilyn attended public school in Arlington. At age nine, when she was in the fourth grade, the family moved to a farm near Wadena, where she went to a one room school until she finished eighth grade. Marilyn graduated in 1950 from Wadena High School as the Salutatorian.
After high school, she worked in the office for a small elevator in Arlington. Then she worked on the radio line in Oelwein for Raytheon, where they made radios and televisions.
In 1952, Marilyn wrote to a neighbor boy, who was serving in the Korean War. He had made a new friend in Korea, Henry Herman Bolte. Henry’s friend encouraged him to write back to Marilyn as he enjoyed reading her letters. Henry and Marilyn started writing back and forth and fell in love. After Henry’s return from Korea, they were engaged to be married and Marilyn moved to Storm Lake.
On Sept. 27, 1953, Henry and Marilyn were united in marriage at the Christian Church in Arlington. They were blessed with four children: their twins, Arlin Lee and Evelyn Marie, Douglas Eugene and Patricia Ann.
Marilyn lived nearly all of her married life on their farm west of Albert City. She enjoyed being outdoors, doing yard work and tending to her flower beds and vegetable gardens. Marilyn also enjoyed crafting and sewing and did a great deal of sewing for herself and her daughters. She had a large doll collection and made many dolls and beautiful doll clothing. These included crocheted gowns with fancy hats for Barbie dolls. She also crocheted many afghans.
Marilyn and Henry enjoyed music and loved to dance. They went to many old time dance halls and loved to polka. Marilyn especially enjoyed dancing when Henry played his accordion. After 63 years of marriage, Henry passed away on Aug. 3, 2017.
Over the years, Marilyn was active in Covenant Women Ministries, HOA Study Club, Mothers of Twins Club, Heritage Doll Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She served as Resident Care Review for Pleasant View Home. She was also a member of the Federated Garden Club of Iowa and served a term as Northwest Iowa District 8 Director. Marilyn was very involved in the historical association. She served as the board secretary for many years as well as registrar and curator for the museum in Albert City. She also kept the museum immaculate. At Pleasant View Home she was an auxiliary member and Bingo caller for many years. Marilyn is remembered for her optimism and love for life. She was a wonderful cook and always had a good joke or story to tell. She was filled with joy when the people around her were happy. Marilyn will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish the memory of Marilyn include her children: Arlin (Mary) Bolte of Albert City; Evelyn (Donald) Franker-Joy of Cushing; Douglas (Tonda) Bolte of Albert City; Patricia (Michael) Schuett of Fort Mill, S.C.; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Audrey Hofer, Jim Murphy and Dorothy Eckheart; and many extended family and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; sister Donna Lane; and brothers, Jere and Roy Murphy.
