Marilyn Kay (Walmer) Reese, died at home in Pleasant Hill on Monday, October 19, 2020 at age 86. For her last year she willed herself to live, despite her uncooperative heart, and nearly met her goal of living long enough to see a new president elected. Marilyn grew up in Spencer, Iowa, where she worked in her parents’ bakery, and moved to Des Moines to attend nurses’ training at Lutheran Hospital. Her classmate, Lois Reese, introduced her to her handsome brother, Guy. They married and had 7 kids. She worked as a nurse for Drs. Lyons and Uchiyama, then for Dr. Karwal, and as a school nurse at Madison Elementary School. Her Christian faith was important to her and for more than 60 years she worshipped at Grand View Lutheran Church. She volunteered at the Clothes Closet, sold cookies at the Farmers’ Market, and was active with the Des Moines Area Retired School Personnel Association. Marilyn loved her grandchildren, traveling, going out to eat with her girlfriends, and public television. Marilyn is survived by her children, Kern (Gail) Reese of Pleasant Hill, Renae (David Blatt) Reese of Hartford, CT, Barton Reese of Mission, KS, Robin Reese of Pleasant Hill, and Jason Reese of Des Moines; nephew, Scott (Elizabeth) Walmer of Flagstaff, AZ; grandchildren, Carrie Reese of Mitchellville, Mike (Ashley) Reese of Pleasant Hill, Carmen Blatt of Portland, OR, Lorraine Blatt of Pittsburgh, PA, Haley Larson of Aspen, CO, Paige Larson of Chicago, IL and Zoe Larson of Des Moines; great grandchildren, Natalie and Kaleb Reese of Pleasant Hill; and beloved sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 59 years, Guy Barton Reese; her son, Jon; her daughter, Sarah; her grandson, Joseph; her brother, Scott Walmer; and her parents, Homer Heidtman Walmer and Shirley (Robinson) Walmer. A private service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, October 24 at Grand View Lutheran Church and live-streamed starting at 12:45 p.m. Friends may join the family for a 2 p.m. burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery, where all are welcome. Next year family and friends will gather for a public celebration of her life. Donations in her honor can be made to Lutheran Church Camp, 2491 170th St. Spirit Lake, IA 51360; Grand View Lutheran Church, 2930 E. 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50316; or American Friends Service Committee, 4211 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES GRANDVIEW PARK FUNERAL HOME