Marion Darine Koontz

Marion Darine Tyrrell Koontz, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Cottage Grove Place. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, with Rev. Brian K. Gross officiating. Private family inurnment will take place in the Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum Columbarium.

Marion was born on May 15, 1930, in Belmond, Iowa the daughter of William and Gladys (Hauge) Tyrrell. She graduated from Monticello Women's Junior College in Illinois before continuing her studies at Drake University, earning her bachelor's degree in education. After moving to Cedar Rapids in 1952, she began her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Buchanan and Johnson Schools. Not long after, she caught the eye of a handsome bachelor, Hall A. Koontz. He quickly fell in love with her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and unforgettable home cooking, and the two were married on April 16, 1955. They went on to share 57 wonderful years together.

Marion was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family and home. She raised Karen, Craig, and Jeffrey to value education, to work hard, to give their time in service to others, and to be respectful, loving, and compassionate members of society. She supported their goals and dreams throughout their lives. Marion deeply loved her family, who were always the center of her world.

Marion was involved in civic life and contributed her time and talents to numerous organizations, among them P.E.O., the Daughters of the American Revolution, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, Junior League, Tourist Club, and the Delta Zeta Alumnae Chapter. She proudly served as Regent of Gunston Hall in the Commonwealth of Virginia for ten years. Marion was also a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Marion and Hall loved to travel and felt fortunate to experience the world together, visiting destinations across nearly every continent, including Africa, the North Pole, Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Europe, and the Caribbean. Marion also treasured her summers in Okoboji, Iowa, a beloved place where the family gathered each year.

Those grateful to have shared her life include her daughter, Karen Parker; two sons, Craig (Patti) and Jeffrey (Lana); step grandson, Zhenya; sister-in-law, Bobbi; several nephews and a niece; extended family; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Hall Koontz; her brother, Dwight Tyrrell; and her son-in-law, Lanny Parker.

The family is deeply grateful to the caring staff at Cottage Grove Place and Hospice of Mercy for the kindness, compassion, and comfort they gave to Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Hospice of Mercy, Hiawatha, Iowa; or Camp Courageous, Monticello, Iowa.