MARILYN IVERSON
1944-09-09 2024-01-02
Marilyn Helen Odland Iverson of Sioux Falls, loving wife of the late Robert Leslie Iverson, passed away on January 2nd, 2024, surrounded by her daughters and cherished memories of a life well-lived.
Marilyn was born on September 9, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Justus and Helen Odland. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, compassion, and a creative spirit. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls and South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she met the love of her life, Robert. On February 1, 1964, they were united in marriage, beginning a remarkable journey together.
Marilyn and Robert shared a partnership that extended beyond their marriage. They raised four wonderful daughters, Tracy Jo, Tanya Leslie, Tiffany Lynn, and Tamara Kay. Together, they navigated life’s joys and challenges, leaving an indelible mark on their family and community.
Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Marilyn was a woman of many talents. While completing her degree in secondary education at SDSU, she taught band at Elkton, SD. She then enjoyed living abroad in Italy, where Bob was stationed. Together they took advantage of exploring the sites and all that Europe had to offer. She loved reminiscing and sharing these memories with family, friends, and students.
Upon their return from overseas, they settled in Murdo, where Marilyn finished her elementary education and taught for 38 years. Much of her time was spent teaching 6th grade. She taught middle and high school music and the Jones County Swing Choir. The Swing Choir was very successful and won many competitions under her direction. She finished her very accomplished career teaching Biology at the high school level. In addition to all this, her artistic flair and entrepreneurial spirit were the driving force behind the craft business she ran with Robert.
Marilyn embodied a spirit of generosity and service. Her involvement in the community included teaching piano lessons, running the book and tumble club and bridge club, delivering Meals on Wheels, and, later, her beloved coffee club. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran church for over 50 years. In addition to worshiping there, she directed the church choir and played the organ when needed.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Tracy Crist (Mike) of Allen, TX, Tanya Anderson of Tampa, FL, and Tiffany Grode (Tom) of Brandon, SD; Son-in-law, Dave Anderson, Tampa, FL, Son-in-law, Scott Mathews, Murdo, SD; 9 grandchildren: Andrew Anderson, Tampa, FL; Abbigalle Anderson, Houston, TX; Chandler Anderson (Nicki Stopania) Wilmington, NC; Philip Mathews (Cecy) Murdo, SD; Reid Grode (Kaylee) Brandon, SD; Madison Mathews, Houston, TX; Chase Grode (Alyssa) Sioux Falls, SD; Saylor Anderson, Tampa, FL; Quinn Grode, Brandon, SD; and two great-granddaughters Stella and Maiverie Anderson, Wilmington, NC; Brother Mark Odland (LaRae) of South Haven, MI.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leslie; daughter, Tamara Mathews; her parents, Justus and Helen Odland; her bother Duane; sister-in-law Tish; father/mother-in-law, Robert and Thelma Iverson; brothers-in-law, Barry Iverson, Dick Inglis, and Dallas Brost.
Memorials may be directed to the South Dakota Parkinson Foundation or Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, SD.
To watch Marilyn's funeral service please click on the link https://youtube.com/live/R5s6z1NXX4M?feature=share
Marilyn was born on September 9, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Justus and Helen Odland. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, compassion, and a creative spirit. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls and South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she met the love of her life, Robert. On February 1, 1964, they were united in marriage, beginning a remarkable journey together.
Marilyn and Robert shared a partnership that extended beyond their marriage. They raised four wonderful daughters, Tracy Jo, Tanya Leslie, Tiffany Lynn, and Tamara Kay. Together, they navigated life’s joys and challenges, leaving an indelible mark on their family and community.
Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Marilyn was a woman of many talents. While completing her degree in secondary education at SDSU, she taught band at Elkton, SD. She then enjoyed living abroad in Italy, where Bob was stationed. Together they took advantage of exploring the sites and all that Europe had to offer. She loved reminiscing and sharing these memories with family, friends, and students.
Upon their return from overseas, they settled in Murdo, where Marilyn finished her elementary education and taught for 38 years. Much of her time was spent teaching 6th grade. She taught middle and high school music and the Jones County Swing Choir. The Swing Choir was very successful and won many competitions under her direction. She finished her very accomplished career teaching Biology at the high school level. In addition to all this, her artistic flair and entrepreneurial spirit were the driving force behind the craft business she ran with Robert.
Marilyn embodied a spirit of generosity and service. Her involvement in the community included teaching piano lessons, running the book and tumble club and bridge club, delivering Meals on Wheels, and, later, her beloved coffee club. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran church for over 50 years. In addition to worshiping there, she directed the church choir and played the organ when needed.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Tracy Crist (Mike) of Allen, TX, Tanya Anderson of Tampa, FL, and Tiffany Grode (Tom) of Brandon, SD; Son-in-law, Dave Anderson, Tampa, FL, Son-in-law, Scott Mathews, Murdo, SD; 9 grandchildren: Andrew Anderson, Tampa, FL; Abbigalle Anderson, Houston, TX; Chandler Anderson (Nicki Stopania) Wilmington, NC; Philip Mathews (Cecy) Murdo, SD; Reid Grode (Kaylee) Brandon, SD; Madison Mathews, Houston, TX; Chase Grode (Alyssa) Sioux Falls, SD; Saylor Anderson, Tampa, FL; Quinn Grode, Brandon, SD; and two great-granddaughters Stella and Maiverie Anderson, Wilmington, NC; Brother Mark Odland (LaRae) of South Haven, MI.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leslie; daughter, Tamara Mathews; her parents, Justus and Helen Odland; her bother Duane; sister-in-law Tish; father/mother-in-law, Robert and Thelma Iverson; brothers-in-law, Barry Iverson, Dick Inglis, and Dallas Brost.
Memorials may be directed to the South Dakota Parkinson Foundation or Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, SD.
To watch Marilyn's funeral service please click on the link https://youtube.com/live/R5s6z1NXX4M?feature=share