Obituary of Marilyn J. Manley

Marilyn Jean Reschly Schweitzer Manley, 85, passed away peacefully on March 22nd at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City. She was born March 12, 1936 in Wayland, Iowa, the first child of Glen and Verda (Christner) Reschly. She graduated valedictorian from Wayland High School in 1954 and married Willard Schweitzer in 1955. Marilyn was a proud fifth-generation Iowan, descended from her great-great grandparents, Daniel and Mary Conrad, who came from Alsace-Lorraine and Ohio to the Iowa Territory in a covered wagon in the spring of 1846, settling in what became southern Washington County. Many families followed from Alsace-Lorraine and Switzerland. Joseph Reschly arrived by way of Kitchener, Ontario and Henry County and beyond is populated with generations of Reschlys, Christners, Conrads, Nebels, Eglis and Klopfinsteins. Marilyn chose her life-long membership in the Mennonite Church as a teen and was active in congregations in Wayland, Iowa City, Denver and Elkhart, Indiana. She loved her family and had a deep faith that sustained her throughout her life. Marilyn was wonderfully devoted to her granddaughters, taking on a caretaker role as they grew into young women. Inspired by her passions, she rarely missed the girls’ sporting or musical events; energetically encouraging, loving and supporting them in their goals. She shared her experiences with the Lord with regular Sunday trips to church, (usually) followed by a much anticipated Frosty treat from Wendy’s. Faced with many life difficulties, Marilyn led by example, teaching the importance of patience, hard work and devotion. Marilyn loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, particularly the Iowa women, and traveled all over the US and to Hawaii following them to games, tournaments and bowl games. She was honored in front of the entire Carver-Hawkeye crowd as a 30-year season ticket holder for Iowa Women’s Basketball. Marilyn also followed her beloved St. Louis Cardinals and taught her kids “The Cardinal Way”. She graciously forgave her daughter for ending up a Cubs fan (growing up in Coralville) since that’s ultimately how she met her husband. She was proud of her son for becoming a registered nurse, earning a BSN in his 50s, and grateful for giving her grandchildren. In addition to raising a family, Marilyn was a working woman and retired from the USDA after 32 years of serving the needs of Johnson County farmers. After retiring, she moved to Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana where, in 1999, she met and married J.D. Manley, a loving and kind man who cherished her for six years of fun, adventure and companionship. Marilyn was dedicated to the Belmont Mennonite Church in Elkhart and it shows in all the woodwork and trim that she spent so many hours finishing with care and the afghans she lovingly crocheted for Relief Sales and gifts. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, J.D., her parents, and a brother, Edwin Reschly (Margaret). She is mourned by her daughter, Karen Schweitzer (Tom Vujovich) of Des Moines; her son, Kenneth Schweitzer (Joanne Wolf-Schweitzer) of Coralville, granddaughters Katherine Schweitzer, Christina McGhghy (David) and step great-grandson Austin; sister, Jan Miller (Ken), brothers Dan (Krisann), and Steve (Christiane), numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. No service is planned during covid but a memorial gathering will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, we suggest that you plant some cheerful spring bulbs, perennials, or a flowering tree and remember our dear Marilyn. Her resting place will be in the columbarium at First Mennonite Church in Iowa City. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.