Marilyn Brummel

Marilyn Brummel, 91, of Pella and formerly Oskaloosa, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at The Cottages in Pella.

Marilyn Ann Fynaardt Brummel was born on December 11, 1934, on a farm in the Fremont–Cedar area to Pete and Delia (Van Ringelstein) Fynaardt.

She received her early education at Fairview Country School and later attended Oskaloosa Christian School. It was there that she met her eventual spouse, James L. Brummel - though at first neither recognized what would become a lifelong love. Over time, friendship deepened, and the two were united in marriage on May 12, 1954, at the First Christian Reformed Church of Oskaloosa, the church Marilyn faithfully attended all her life.

Marilyn began her working life immediately after completing the eighth grade. She cared for infants and mothers in their homes, often carrying full responsibility for managing the household. Those early years reflected the capable and steady spirit that defined her life.

Later, Marilyn joined Jim in a modest real estate venture that began with remodeling an older home into apartments. Over the years, they flipped more than a dozen homes into income properties. Their hard work and wise stewardship provided the resources to ensure a Christian education for their children - a priority that reflected the deep faith they shared.

Through their rental properties, Marilyn encountered many people. She was more than a landlord; she was often a listening ear, a steady presence, and a trusted friend. Because of those years, Jim and Marilyn formed lasting friendships, including special bonds with Ken and Carol Morlan and Alice Menne.

In 2013, at the ages of 78, Jim and Marilyn remodeled their final home in Oskaloosa - the former Nazarene Youth House - and loved living there together until they became residents of Homestead in Oskaloosa. In May of 2025, they moved to Pella to be just a block away from their family, where Jim continues to reside at Fair Haven East.

Family was always Marilyn's greatest joy. She especially loved becoming a grandmother - though no one ever called her that. Her first grandchild gave her the name "Mau," and it lovingly stuck for all twelve grandchildren and the great-grandchildren who followed. In her final days, her brightest responses were reserved for the littlest members of the family. Her eyes would light up, and her heart was always happiest when surrounded by them.

Marilyn will be remembered as a faithful wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a hardworking woman who once delighted in receiving a set of scaffolding for her 80th birthday. She was a lifelong follower of Jesus, modeling her life after His example. She leaves a legacy of compassion, generosity, and the ability to brighten a room with the simple wink of her eye.

Her family includes her husband, Jim of Pella; her daughters, Bev (Dennis) DeVries and Judy Stuit-Nikkel, also of Pella; her grandchildren: Randy (Jodi) DeVries of Pella, Stacey (Scott) DeBoef of Leighton, Valerie DeVries of Pella, Justin (Denise) Stuit of Kansas City, MO; and Kari (Josh) Rooda of Prairie City; her great-grandchildren: Colby (Jocelyn) DeVries, Tyson (fiancé – Amelia Boender), Jessa DeVries, Noah (Olivia) DeBoef, Henry DeBoef, Wyatt DeBoef, Georgia DeVries, Calvin Stuit, Mia Stuit, Nadia Rooda, Roczen Rooda, Kaden Rooda; and one great-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth DeVries.

Marilyn is also survived by her siblings, Joann Kelderman of Pella, Dorothy Groenenboom, and Peter and Paul Fynaardt, all of Oskaloosa, and a sister-in-law, Nancy Brummel of Pella.

In addition to her parents, Peter & Delia Fynaardt, Marilyn was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Marc Stuit and Brent Nikkel; her siblings and their spouses: Lester & Rachel Fynaardt, Joann Fynaardt, Barb Fynaardt, Paul Groenenboom, and Tunis Kelderman; her husband's parents, Henry & Bertha Brummel; and his siblings: Edna & Lester Klein, Ada & Carl Olson, Bernice & Ed Goemaat, Clara & Hank Lanser, Esther & Orville Bensink, Virgil & Edith Brummel, Virginia & Herman Simmons, Anna & Ben Groenendyk, Howard Brummel and Mildred & Ray DeZwarte.

Funeral Services for Marilyn will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Pastor Joe Brummel officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. The visitation for Marilyn will be held from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the church. A family prayer service will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. Langkamp Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with Marilyn's final arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to the Oskaloosa Christian Grade School.