Marilyn Schafbuch, 82, of Ladora, died on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Country House Senior Living in Cedar Rapids, IA and under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Victor United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Interment will be in Smith Cemetery southeast of Victor.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

Memorials may be designated to the Victor United Women of Faith and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Marilyn's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Marilyn Rae Dicus was born on June 19, 1942, in Anthon, Iowa to Harold Edwin Dicus and Arlene Marie (Gray) Dicus. Marilyn grew up near Anthon and graduated from Marion High School in 1961.

On September 8, 1962, Marilyn was united in marriage to Larry Neil Schafbuch at Kenwood Park United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their four children, Linda, Darrell, Connie, and Kevin, while farming in the Ladora area. Growing up a city girl, Marilyn fell in love with the country life, finding joy in the simple beauty of rural life.

For 17 years, Marilyn worked at Kinze Manufacturing in Williamsburg, balancing her career with her dedication to her family and community. She was a member of the Victor United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir, sharing her faith and love of music. She and Larry loved to square dance as members of the Victor Star Twirlers Club. Marilyn was also an active member of the Sweet Adelines, the Red Hat Society, Good Neighbors Club and other organizations that brought her happiness and fellowship.

Marilyn enjoyed traveling with her sisters, creating cherished memories of laughter and adventure. She was a wonderful listener and a source of wisdom and comfort to those around her. Her greatest joy was her family; she deeply loved them and treasured every moment spent together, especially during holidays and family gatherings.

Marilyn's life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and love. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering support for her loved ones will remain an enduring legacy.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Linda (Al) Gerard of Marengo, IA, Darrell (Tracy) Schafbuch of Victor, Connie (Dave) Miner of Dysart, IA, and Kevin (Tina) Schafbuch of Ladora; 14 grandchildren; Sean (Kira) Schafbuch, Bri (Garrett) Hinrichs, Madison (Carter) Buswell, Nichole Gerard, Morgan (Tyler) Dietrich, Jacob (Tiffany) Schafbuch, Brandon (Brittney) Schafbuch, Emma Schafbuch (Koley Kelly - fiancé), Alex Miner, Lindsey (Tyler) Fischels, Nadia (Joel) Beinert, Dylan Schafbuch, Heather Schafbuch, and Amy Schafbuch; 15 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Carol (Don) Gugler of Ely, IA, Judi Urbanek of Colorado Springs, CO, and Beverly Taylor of Marion, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry in 2009; and brother-in-law's John Taylor and Ed Urbanek.