Marilyn Louise Goeders, 94, of Midland, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, after a long and challenging battle with illness which she faced with courage and grace. Marilyn, known to most as Mary Lou, was born on January 4, 1931, in Chicago, to Konrad and Marvel (Stubbs) Hagen. The family later moved to Mason City, Iowa where she graduated from Mason City High School in 1949, and Mason City Junior College in 1951 while working at United Home Bank.

On August 24, 1952, Mary Lou married Calvin Goeders, her high school sweetheart. They were married for 72 years. Mary Lou and Calvin moved to Midland in 1961 when he began working for Dow and she focused on homemaking and raising their four children. In 1970 she began a course of study in nursing, graduating with a registered nursing certification from Delta College in 1974. She then began a career in nursing at Bay Medical Center which continued into the mid-1990’s.

Mary Lou was a long-time member of Blessed Sacrament Church and volunteered for many years for the Midland County Food Assistance Network. Together with her husband, she created endowments for Midland County Elementary Students in Need at the Midland Area Community Foundation and the Marilyn and Calvin Goeders Chemistry Scholarship and Endowed Fund at Northwest Missouri State University.

Mary Lou enjoyed sailing, reading, crossword puzzles, bridge and winters in south Florida. She was an exceptionally devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, always interested in and involved with their lives whenever possible. These children were her pride and joy, and she leaves them with a legacy of love and kindness.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Calvin and her children Catherine (Peter) Anders of Midland, Lori (Scott) Rosen of Mattituck, N.Y., Curt (Suzanne) Goeders of Bradenton, Fl and Lisa (Michael) Grinzinger of Rockford, MI. Mary Lou also leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her sister, Joanne Roberts of Albuquerque, NM also survives her, and she was predeceased by her sister Suzanne Falt.

The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. The Reverend Rob Howe will officiate. The family will receive friends at Ware Smith Woolever, 1200 West Wheeler, on Thursday afternoon from 5 - 7 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. A lunch service will follow in the Social Hall. All are welcome. A private burial in Midland City Cemetery will occur later that day.  In lieu of flowers, the Goeders family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Midland County Food Assistance Network.

All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Goeders family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.