Marilyn Lee Heitman

Williamsburg—Marilyn Lee Heitman was born June 9, 1937, in Le Mars, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph and Mildred (Phillips) Gabel. She attended country school in Plymouth County, graduated from Le Mars High School and attended Iowa State College in Ames. Marilyn was united in marriage to Myron Heitman on March 22, 1958, at Adaville Church in Plymouth County, Iowa. Marilyn loved being a mother to her children and being a farm wife. Together, Myron and Marilyn continued farming the Heitman farmstead for 55 years, which reached its 150^th Anniversary this year.  

She was a committed member of the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg, where she was an elder and served active as a church organist, accompanying the Good News Children’s Choir. She also sat as the president of the United Presbyterian Women. Marilyn enjoyed giving piano lessons, actively participating in 4-H clubs and projects, and serving both as a charter member of the Rural Employment Alternatives (REA, formerly ARC) and as an Iowa County election official. 

She loved being a mom and grandmother, often baking dozens of cookies and quilting with her grandkids. Marilyn passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Highland Ridge Care Center at the age of 85 years, surrounded by her family. Our family is grateful to know that Marilyn is finally at peace and home with her Lord.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Myron; five children, Deborah (Todd) Hobbs of Norwalk, Shaunda (Jack) McQueeney of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrea Heitman of Davenport, Kyra (Mike) Geraghty of Fort Collins, CO and Daren (Janet) Heitman of Melvern, PA; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jane (Gary) Petersen of Le Mars. She is preceded in death by her parents and youngest sister, Nancy Gabel.

Her family is deeply grateful for the genuine love and excellent care she received at Highland Ridge Care Center.

Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 am on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Visitation will be Monday from 9:30 am until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the REA (Rural Employment Alternatives) in Conroy. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for arrangements. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.