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Monday, March 19, 2007, 10:30 AM

Trinity Lutheran Church, Manilla, Iowa

Officiating

Reverend Paul Frank

Interment

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa

  Marilyn Maxine, daughter of Merlin Sr. and Maxine (Christensen) Eck, was born December 7, 1945, in Denison, Iowa. She attended Denison Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1964. After high school Marilyn began working at the Ben Franklin Store in Denison.

  On April 23, 1977, Marilyn was united in marriage with Kenneth Whitmer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla. Two children were born to this union. While living in Manilla, Marilyn worked for many years as a babysitter in her home. She deeply enjoyed working as a babysitter and continued to do so until her retirement in 2002.   

  Marilyn loved horses, reading, and attending farm machinery shows with her son Mark. She also took pleasure teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. In her community, Marilyn was an active member of the Manilla Area Historical Association.

  Marilyn moved to the Manilla Manor in December of 2005 and enjoyed visiting with the other residents.  On March 15, 2007, Marilyn died at the age of 61 years, 3 months, and 8 days, after battling complications from diabetes.

   Preceding her in death are her parents; husband in 1987; a stillborn son Joseph; and father-in-law Albert Whitmer.

   Marilyn is survived by her son Mark Whitmer of Manilla; brother Merlyn Eck Jr. of Charter Oak; mother-in-law Betty Whitmer of Manilla; sister-in-law Patty and husband Bill Frahm of Manilla; brother-in-law Fred and wife Corene Whitmer of Gallatin, TN;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.