Memorial Trees
T
Tara & Tom Anderson
July 17, 2025
A
Anonymous
July 17, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Marilyn Sue Webster
<p>Marilyn Sue Webster</p><p><br></p><p>Devoted wife, loving mother, creative spirit, and quiet leader</p><p><br></p><p>September 21, 1937 – July 16, 2025</p><p><br></p><p>Born at home on a dairy farm in Minburn, Iowa, Marilyn Sue Stine learned the value of hard work, family, and community from the very beginning. She grew up in the rhythms of farm life and found early joy in 4-H, where she developed her lifelong skills in sewing and homemaking and where she first knew of a boy named Dan Webster.</p><p><br></p><p>Marilyn graduated from Washington Township High School and went on to Iowa State University, where she studied Home Economics. She and Dan had first met at 4-H camp, but it wasn’t until her second year of college that they had their first date. Their second date, a few years later and the day after her birthday, earned Dan some teasing from Grandma Herr for being “cheap” but he made up for it at Christmas. Things moved quickly after that. By February, they had picked out a ring, and on April 1, Dan asked, in his characteristically understated way, “Here—you want this?”</p><p><br></p><p>They were married in Minburn, Iowa on July 22, 1961 and built a life together that spanned decades, states, and stages of life. They lived first in Thornton, Iowa, then Windom, Minnesota, where their first daughter Elaine was born. In 1963, they moved to Story City, Iowa, where their daughter Diane joined the family, and then later where their son Doug was born.</p><p><br></p><p>As the kids grew, so did Marilyn’s quiet determination and creativity. When Doug started elementary school, Marilyn launched her own custom drapery business, sewing beautiful, functional pieces that filled homes with warmth and style. She was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Women’s Club and the church. She often used her creativity to teach the craft classes at Vacation Bible School. At her retirement she became active with the Story City Historical Society, serving as its president for many years and spending more than 20 years cataloging and curating the historic artifacts and telling the history of her hometown.</p><p>Marilyn had a gift for details, both small and significant. Whether she was planning a family meal and making Drayce’s favorite meatballs and butter horn rolls, stitching a window treatment, organizing historical society records, or simply listening with compassion, she gave her full attention and care.</p><p><br></p><p>Eight years ago, she and Dan moved to a townhouse at Timberland, yet another chapter in their long and loving partnership. She continued her sewing and made many items for the growing grandchildren including baby blankets for the great grandsons Dakota, Benji, and Josiah, and kitchen curtains for newlyweds Drayce and Alex. Her legacy includes hand sewn pillow covers and valances and more for the children and grandchildren’s homes.</p><p><br></p><p>She leaves behind a family who cherished her deeply: her husband Dan, her children Elaine (James Johnson), Diane (Fred Kaserman) , and Doug (Tanya), and their four children Dalton (Gretchen) , Drayce (Alex), Dawson (Linzee), Taliyah and her great grandchildren, Dakota, Benjamin, Josiah, her sisters Carol and Norma, and many others who were shaped by her steady presence and quiet strength.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donation to Grace United Methodist Church or the Story City Historical Society. </p><p><br></p><p>Her legacy is one of devotion, creativity, and care — a life lived with grace and purpose, stitched together by love.</p><p><br><br></p><p><br></p>September 21, 1937 - July 16, 202509/21/193707/16/2025
Share Obituary: