Marcella Keune

Marcella Jane Keune died on December 12, 2025, of pneumonia at Regional Health Services of Howard County.
Marcella was born in Cresco, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Fred and Helen (Slifka) Henkes on November 22, 1927. She attended school in Cresco and graduated from Cresco High School in 1945. After graduation, she taught in a one room country school in Albion Township for one year.
On September 10, 1946, Marcella and Dale Keune were married at the Zion Church in Albion Township. The Zion United Methodist Church adjoins the Keune home farm. Dale and Marcella had three children: James, Gerald and Martha. They farmed together all their married life. They began on their century farm and in later years moved to another of their farms close by.
Marcella was an active member of Zion United Methodist Church since her marriage to Dale in 1946. She was a faithful servant teaching Sunday School, United Methodist Women, church council secretary and communion steward. She missed very few Sunday services throughout her 80 years as a member. Recently, she was recognized for her long membership at the 150th anniversary celebration of Zion United Methodist Church.
Marcella and Dale enjoyed playing cards with a close circle of friends, as well as attending community events. Marcella liked baking, cooking and especially making cookies for her family. She made sure homemade cookies were always available for her grandchildren and great grandchildren-which they all looked forward to.
Marcella enjoyed being with her family and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. She always kept close touch with the farm and enjoyed watching Jerry and Jonathan farm the land as well as enjoyed her great grandson's interest in the farm as very young boys.
In January 2024 Marcella moved to the Evans Home. The family appreciates the compassionate and loving care she received during her stay.
Marcella will be remembered for her smile, kindness and pleasant demeanor. She cared deeply for God, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family.
Marcella is survived by her children: Jim (Mary Glaser) of Preston, MN, Jerry (Vicky Reicks) of Cresco and Martha of Cresco. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren: Todd (Mackenzie Adams) Keune, Autumn Fruth, Jonathan (Rebecca) Keune, Jarod (Jonie) Keune, Lynette (Austin) Curtin, Laura Keune, David (Katie Lydon) Keune and Jessica (Josh) Bannister; great-grandchildren: Bellamy Keune, Caden, Connor and Carter Fruth, Ashton, Jayden, Mason and Makayla Keune, Wesley and Jenna Keune, Ella and Cullen Curtin, Kylee and Kamrick Shumpert, Maverick and Crew Bannister, Tyree Cranshaw and Rowan Adams. Also surviving Marcella are her sisters JoAnne Kratz and Mary Lou Murray both of Cresco as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Dale in 2010, parents Fred and Helen Henkes, great- granddaughter Danica Keune, brothers in-law Merlin Kratz and Raymond Murray, sister in-law and brother in-law Mae Robinson and Jack Robinson.
We will deeply cherish our memories of Marcella, miss her dearly each day and keep her in our hearts forever.
Memorials may be directed to Cedar Hill Cemetery and the Evans Senior Living Community.
A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 4:00-6:00pm at Schmelzer (formerly Lindstrom) Funeral Home in Cresco. There will be a private funeral service held for Marcella, including burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Schmelzer Funeral Home is taking care of the arrangements.