Marilyn Ann Knop

Marilyn Knop, 92, of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Luther Memorial Church (1201 Grandview Ave, Des Moines). A luncheon will follow at the church, with burial being held in the afternoon at Glendale Cemetery (4909 University, Des Moines).

Marilyn was born on November 4, 1932, in Ames, IA, to Theodore and Verna Stielow. She was a graduate of East High School in Des Moines. She was employed by Principal Financial for 42 years when she retired in 1992.

Marilyn's love for traveling took her on exciting trips abroad such as Israel and Africa where she went on safari. She took many vacations across the United States and Canada visiting family and friends.

Her love for all things related to crafting brought joy to her and to those with whom she shared her knitted, crocheted, or quilted items. She was a lifelong learner and was often taking Community Education classes where she learned to reupholster furniture, tole painting, and wood carving.

She adored her grandchildren and, in recent years, her great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as Grandma the Great.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Carla Miller; grandchildren, Anna Ryan (Anson), Joseph Knop (Ashley), Adam Knop (Kristen), Kaitlyn Scott (Skylar), and Michael Miller; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Ken (Donna) Stielow; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Verna Stielow; brothers, Dean Stielow, Don Stielow, and Gary Stielow; husband, Delbert Knop; and her son, Tom Knop.

The family wishes to thank the Unity Point Hospice staff and the staff at Edencrest at Riverwoods for their exceptional care in Marilyn's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.