Marilyn Kay Von Tersch

Marilyn Von Tersch, age 84, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. Marilyn was born May 20, 1941, in Osage Iowa. Daughter to Clifford and Jennette Lewis. She grew up on the family farm just south of Osage and helped with the family milk production and delivery business. She fell in love with the nature and wildlife that surrounded their home. She attended Osage Schools and graduated Osage High School in 1959.

Marilyn was united in marriage to Tom Von Tersch on August 13, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. She was always an advocate for children and worked in the Osage school system with special needs children and later volunteered with Iowa Health and Human Services as Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She found great fulfillment in both of these services and was proud of the work and help that she could provide.

Marilyn loved animals always had a beloved pet of some kind throughout her life. She also had a deep attachment to the natural world and often outside either gardening flowers and vegetables, hunting wild mushrooms and asparagus, or ensuring the local wildlife had a sanctuary near her home. Hummingbirds were never in need, and the deer always had a salt block to lick. She also enjoyed canoeing, bird watching, and walking in the woods especially in the spring. Most important to Marilyn though was being a nurturing mother and care giver.

Marilyn will be remembered as a wonderful mother by her daughter Denise, son, Ed; grandson Thomas; daughter-in-law Lana. She is also survived by an extended Von Tersch Family and many lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, daughter Michele Ann, son John Martin, nephew James Kleckner, sister-in-law Kathy Veren, sister-in-law Margaret Bowe, and her parents, and dear friends.

A memorial gathering for Marilyn will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Hoff Celebrations- Champion Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage.

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