Marlin O. "Marly" Runksmeier

Funeral services for Marlin will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Bethany E&R Church in Ledyard. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will be at Highland Home Cemetery in Ledyard.
Marlin Runksmeier passed away on his 92nd birthday, December 27, 2025 surrounded by his family at the Accura Health Care Center in Bancroft, Iowa.
Born in 1933, in his home near Ledyard, Iowa, Marlin grew up with the soil beneath his feet, attending country school before graduating from Ledyard High School. After graduation, Marlin farmed with his dad before serving his country as a meteorologist in South Korea near the DMZ. One of his happiest moments was seeing land (the states) as he rode the ship back to the United States from Korea. Upon returning, he married his forever friend and love of his life, Shirley Miller on June 9, 1957, at Bethany E&R Church, beginning their lifelong partnership in farming and family.
Marlin and Shirley built their life northwest of Ledyard, raising their children, Cheryl and Craig. Marlin was a good dad and an honest farmer who enjoyed the simple pleasures of farm life in a small town. His positive attitude, loyalty, and love were evident through his dedicated service on the church board, school board, and Iowa Lakes Electric Board. He also devoted many hours to his grandchildren, faithfully supporting them in all of their activities. He never quit farming until duty called again in 2016 as he spent eight years in his wife's room at the nursing home - just making sure she knew he was there.
Marlin is survived by his children, Cheryl (Tim) Hamp and Craig (Julie) Runksmeier; grandchildren, Laura (Pete) Odgren, Robert Hamp, Jaci (Joel) Riordan, Cody (Mackenzie) Runksmeier, and Colin (Breanna) Runksmeier; great-grandchildren, Henry, Violet, Jaire, Jorie, Rowdy, and Rhett; and his sister, Carol Keil. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley, and his parents, Orville and Laura Runksmeier.