Helen Marguerite Ackley

Helen “Marguerite” Ackley, 97, of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Hiawatha Care Center. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, where the family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the service time. Pastor Jim Langley will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Marguerite was born on July 28, 1928, in Alburnett, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond and Ruth (Hagerman) Etzel. After graduating from Toddville High School in 1945, Marguerite pursued her passion for beauty, completing her education at the Paris Beauty Academy in 1946. On November 21, 1947, Marguerite was united in marriage to Gerald Raymond Ackley in Cedar Rapids.

Marguerite was a beloved figure in her community, known for her kindness, dedication, and many talents. She dedicated seven years of her professional life as a Beautician at Paris and Times Beauty Salons. Following this, she transitioned to a janitorial service role for Linn County REC, where she made a significant impact over 16 years. Later, Marguerite served as a Kitchen Aide and subsequently as an Activity Coordinator at Winslow House Care Center for eight years, until her retirement in 2002.

Baptized on November 1, 1942, at East Otter Creek in rural Toddville, Iowa, Marguerite's faith played a central role in her life. Marguerite enriched her spiritual life through her long-standing membership at the First Presbyterian Church, which she joined in 1953. Throughout her years at the church, she actively contributed as Elder, Deacon, and church Schoolteacher. Marguerite was also a member and Moderator of Presbyterian Women. Her commitment to service was evident in her proudest accomplishment as a founding member of the Helping Hand Storeroom at Marion's First Presbyterian Church, which provided crucial assistance to those in need.

Marguerite also found joy in volunteering at the Marion Senior Dining site, where she loved engaging in line dancing and playing bingo with friends. Additionally, she dedicated time volunteering at the Iowa City VA Hospital, showing her unwavering support for veterans. Marguerite cherished her social connections and loved meeting with her friends, the “Lunch Bunch”, and the Toddville seniors for lively lunches filled with laughter and conversation. Her compassionate spirit and commitment to uplifting others will be dearly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A life marked by service, faith, and warmth, Marguerite leaves behind an enduring legacy that will inspire future generations.

Marguerite is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Anna Ackley (Diane Rothrock) of Marion; several nieces and nephews, including Robert (Marion) Bebee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Raymond Ackley Sr. in 1998; infant son, Gerald Raymond Ackley Jr. in 1955; son, Timothy Ackley in 1988; twin brother, Hubert Merle Etzel in 1928; sister, Beulah Bebee in 2004; sister-in-law, Dolores Ackley; nephew, Donald Bebee; and her grand-dog, Abby Rose in 2025.

Memorials in Marguerite’s memory may be directed to either: First Presbyterian Church, 802 12th Street, Marion, Iowa 52302; or to the family to be designated later.