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Boeke Funeral Home - RadcliffeMarilyn Kolbe Obituary
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Marilyn was born October 6, 1938, in Hubbard, Iowa, to Arend and Viola (Radley) Tjarks. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1956 and earned her teaching degree from Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls. She went on to complete both her undergraduate and Master's degrees in Education at Drake University in Des Moines.
On December 29, 1957, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Don Kolbe. During Don's service in the U.S. Air Force, Marilyn taught on the base in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. In 1961, she and Don settled in Story City, where Marilyn completed her 37-year career teaching elementary students in the Story City and Roland-Story School Districts until her retirement in 1998. She was a passionate educator who left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Marilyn and Don were blessed with two sons, Kevin and Mike, and she cherished family time with them and their families as grandchildren and great grandchildren were born.
She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 68 years, Don Kolbe of Story City; sons Kevin (Susan Yungclas) Kolbe of Grinnell and Mike (Tammy Kohl) Kolbe of Harlan; sister and best friend Carolyn Schmidt; sisters-in-law Karen (Eric) Baker and Janet Kolbe; and brother-in-law Jerry Schradle.
Marilyn was a loving grandmother to Emily Kolbe (Ben Cooprider) and their children, Eloise and Henry; Liz Kolbe (David Walker) and their daughter Arlo; Scott Kolbe and long-time companion Sheena Brunner; Dr. Austin (Katelyn) Kolbe and their children Kennedy and Hayes; and Lisa (Tanner) Weed and their children Charlie and Brylee.
She was preceded in death by her parents; special grandparents Fred and Naomi Tjarks; infant sister Joyce; brother Fred Tjarks; father and mother-in-law David and Ruth Kolbe; sisters-in-law Donna Shradle and Shirley Kolbe; brothers-in-law Delos Kolbe, Duane Kolbe, Gary Kolbe, and Ray Schmidt.
Marilyn will be remembered for her warm heart, dedication to teaching, and unwavering love for her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Bertha Bartlett Public Library 503 Broad St. Story City, IA 50248 or the Story City Elementary program within the Roland-Story Community School District 900 Hillcrest Dr. Story City, IA 50248.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Upcoming Events
Oct
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Oct
2
Services provided by
Boeke Funeral Home - Radcliffe