In Memory

Marian Koll

Obituaries in Des Moines, IA | The Des Moines Register  Marian Lucille Koll, 93, passed away peacefully July 13, 2022, following complications from a stroke. Marian was born August 19, 1928, in Fort Dodge, IA to William and Inez Theisen. She grew up in Palmer, IA and graduated from Palmer High School in 1945. Marian went on to become a registered nurse by attending St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing. Later in life she obtained her bachelor’s degree from The College of St. Francis. She was a compassionate, dedicated nurse for 50 years! She worked at Mercy Hospital and spent 26 years as the school nurse at Urbandale High School. Marian married Kenneth Koll in Fort Dodge, IA on July 16, 1955. They moved to Omaha, NE for a few years before settling in Urbandale, IA in 1960. They would have celebrated their 67 th anniversary this year. Marian was a wonderful seamstress, knitter, and homemaker. She made the baptism suit and gown for her grandchildren, John and Elizabeth, priest vestments and was called upon to mend and alter clothing for countless friends, students, and family. She extended the life of “boo bear” and “bob the bear” many times with a few strategically placed stitches! She was a fabulous cook, and no summer event was complete without her potato salad and baked beans. We looked forward to her Christmas cookie tray, Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Morning coffee cake every year! Marian was a devout Catholic and lived a life of service to God, her family, and friends. She was an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church since 1960 and a lifetime member of Altar & Rosary. Marian’s passion was bridge which she inherited from her parents … she loved the game and the women she played with!!! Marian and Ken were blessed with grandchildren at age 75. John and Elizabeth were the love of her life! She felt so blessed to live close to them, watch them grow and she attended all their sporting, school events, and performances. The high point of their week was attending weekly school Mass and seeing John and Elizabeth! It was always fun to go to Grandma’s to play games, stack cups, work on puzzles, play cards, weed the garden, play the piano, or help Grandma in the yard. Marian’s smile could light up a room, a reflection of her lovely, beautiful spirit, full of compassion and kindness. Marian was a devoted wife to Ken and the most wonderful mother to Chris. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Marian will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ken, son Chris, daughter-in-law Heidi, grandchildren John and Elizabeth, sisters Ceil Olson and Patricia Zeman and many nieces and nephews. Donations may be sent to St. Pius X Foundation for the “Pay It Forward” Scholarship Fund. Please join us in celebrating Marian’s life. The visitation will be Monday, July 18 at St. Pius X Church from 5 to 7 PM, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 19 th at St. Pius X Church at 10:30 AM. The service will be livestreamed on the Iles website. Go to IlesCares.com at 10:15 am Tuesday and scroll to the bottom of Marian’s obituary to join the service. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Online condolences will be welcomed at Iles Cares.com.