Marilyn Dansart

Marilyn A. ("Cookie" Neubert) Dansart, 82, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully, on August 7, 2025 at Stonehill Communities, in Dubuque, IA. Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Saturday August 9, at the Church of the Resurrection followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Marilyn will have a natural burial as a Franciscan Associate.
Marilyn was born on February 19, 1943 in Plano, IL, daughter of Harry A. Neubert and Hilda A. (Forg) Neubert. She grew up residing with her family in an apartment above her Dad's store - Neubert's Hardware - in Downtown Plano. In her youth she enjoyed water skiing, square dancing and playing the clarinet. She earned the nickname "Cookie" when she ran for student council and passed out cookies as part of her campaign. She attended Plano Schools through 10th grade and graduated from Madonna High School (Aurora, IL) in 1961.
Marilyn joined the School Sisters of St Francis (SSSF) Novitiate in 1962. Beginning in 1965, Marilyn taught in various Catholic schools, including Holy Ghost in Wood Dale IL. While teaching, Marilyn continued her studies, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Alverno College (Chemistry and Physics, 1967) and a Master's Degree from the University of Mississippi (Combined Sciences, 1970). Marilyn left the SSSF in 1972.
On April 14, 1973, Marilyn married Bernard R. Dansart at Christ the King Newman Center in DeKalb, IL. In 1974, Marilyn and Bernie moved to Dubuque, IA where they raised two children and spent 45 happy years together until Bernie's death in 2019. During these years, Marilyn taught math and science in Dubuque Community Schools for 27 years until her retirement in 2001. Following her retirement from teaching, Marilyn went on to enjoy a second career as a Spiritual Director at Divine Word Seminary from 2002-2014.
Marilyn was a joyful woman of deep faith. A devoted member of Resurrection Parish and the Franciscan Associates, she lived a life of service in the spirit of St. Francis-serving the poor, welcoming the newcomer, caring for the earth, advocating for peace, and guiding others in their own spiritual journey.
Marilyn brought joy wherever she went and formed deep, lifelong friendships through her compassionate and joyful presence. Throughout her life her warm and welcoming nature and lively spirit touched the lives of many.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Ann (Ravi) Hirekatur of Madison, WI and Philip (Margaret) Dansart of Camarillo, CA; grandchildren, Melkiya and Zerihun Hirekatur, and Bernadette Dansart; sister, Elaine (Bill) Yoakum of Sugar Grove, IL; and Aunt, Rosemary Madsen of Plano, IL.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sister Water Project (https://osfdbq.org/sisterwaterproject/), Unbound (www.unbound.org), or Loras College.
For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, the staff of Stonehill Memory Care and the Church of the Resurrection.