Marilyn Rose Johanns

Marilyn Rose Johanns of New Haven (recently of Grundy Center), IA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Creekside Living Facility Grundy Center.

Rosary Service will be held on Monday March 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. with a visitation to follow from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, IA. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, New Haven, IA, with Father Telephore DUSABE presiding. Interment to following at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, New Haven.

Marilyn was born February 19, 1936, to Lorenz and Bernice Helfter. She was the fourth of five children. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Haven where she developed her love for softball. Marilyn was the class valedictorian. She then attended St. Catherine’s in St. Paul, MN. Although she left school to get married, she later finished her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Buena Vista University at the age of 62. This was one of her proudest accomplishments.

She was united in marriage on November 17, 1956, to Herbert F. Johanns Jr. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church New Haven. They joyfully welcomed three sons, and Marilyn spent her life supporting the family farm operation and raising their children. She is credited for teaching the boys how to play baseball, including switch hitting. Her family brought her great pride and joy and was the crowning jewel of her life’s work. Herb and Marilyn were married 63 years.

Marilyn was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where she celebrated baptism, first communion, confirmation, and the sacrament of marriage. She was a lifetime member of the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) Alumni Association, served on the Mitchell County Board of Supervisors, Riceville School Board, and North Iowa Council of Governments (NICOG).

Marilyn had many friends and interests. She loved to entertain, travel, she enjoyed golf and was an avid reader. She hosted and attended many meetings with her Yak-N-Snack book group of dear friends. She walked many country miles, was a great cook, and enjoyed creating stained glass art projects. She embraced farm life and always made the family farm a welcoming gathering place with small touches to make guests feel special. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by two sons, Mark (Linda) Johanns of Dubuque, IA; Bob (Beth) Johanns of Grundy Center, IA, Andrea (wife of Tom) Johanns of Ames; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Kristina) Johanns, Jacquelyn (Chris) Werth, Justin (Chanelle) Kisting, Brighton (Muriel) Kisting, Zoe (Cameron) Schult, Piper (Sean) Finucan, Emma (Alex) Houseal, Grace Johanns; six great grandchildren: Layla, Charlotte, Tinley, Paxton, Jack, Lewis, and brother Bob (Miranda) Helfter, North Carolina; brother-in-law Jim (Joan) Yarwood and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, Edward; brothers Don (Marilyn) Helfter, Larry (Doris) Helfter, sister Joan Yarwood, and son Tom Johanns.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cedar Valley Hospice, Creekside Living Facility, or St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.