Marlene Garman

Marlene Edith Garman, 86, of Swisher, died Friday, July 28, 2023, at Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha. A private burial will be held at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion, Iowa. Marlene was born on August 13, 1936, in Callender, Iowa, the daughter of Albert Stewart and Edith (Blake) Stewart. She grew up on a farm near Callender, Iowa. As a little girl, she understood and began a deep appreciation of God's creation. She loved to watch things grow and to hear the song birds in the trees. After graduation from Callender High School, she began study to become a beautician. It was at this time that she met Larry Leon Garman and they were united in marriage on November 30, 1955, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Soon after, they purchased a home in Cedar Rapids. Their union would span 67 years, until her passing. Most of all she was a dedicated mother to her nine children. We remember her prayer life and her bright sense of humor bringing us through the bumps and bruises. So now we celebrate her life and her contribution to the world as a mother in Israel. Marlene is survived by her husband, Larry; eight children, Joyce (Antonio) Pacas, David (Tamra) Garman, Teresa (Kurt) Grigg, Lawrence Garman, Marianne (Ron) Moody, Jeff (Kim) Garman, Greg (Amy) Garman, and Rebecca (Vadim) Vorobtsov; 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Debra, her parents, four brothers, and six sisters. The family would like to express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the third floor nursing staff and doctors at Mercy Hospital and also the staff at Hospice House for their tender care of our mother during her last days.