Marilyn Norene Stephenson, age 92, of Adair, IA, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Unity Point Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA.
Marilyn was born at home in Audubon County on July 14, 1933, the daughter of Niels and Tina (Wedemeyer) Nielsen. She attended Adair Schools, graduating with the class of 1951. On August 16, 1953, she was united in marriage to Rex Stephenson.
Marilyn was a devout Lutheran and a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair and later of St. John Lutheran Church in Casey. She was baptized on August 06, 1933, and later confirmed on April 30, 1947. She worked at motels in Atlantic and Adair and helped Rex on the farm. She loved dogs and playing cards.
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Rex Stephenson; Sons, Ron Stephenson and Alan Stephenson; Grandson, Scott Stephenson; Sisters, Elsie Smith and Eleanor Waker; and brothers, Fred (Nadine) Nielsen, and Marvel Nielsen.
Marilyn is survived by her Daughter, Janet (John) Della Vedova; Grandchildren, Chad (Traci) Stephenson, Jessica (Tom) Vitanza, Alex (Amanda) Jacobsen; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Griffith; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.
The family sincerely appreciates the dedicated care provided by Unity Point Health, including their compassionate doctors, nurses, and hospice workers. Thank you all for your help and kindness.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Casey, Iowa, with Rev. Jeffrey Keuning officiating. The luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Church following the funeral. A burial will take place following the luncheon at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery just north of Adair.
Visitation with the family will be held one hour before the funeral at the church on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Memorials may be directed to the Stephenson Family to be designated at a later date in memory of her. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair.
