Listen to Obituary

Marlys was born September 18, 1932 in Colfax to the late Albert and Lena (Wolthoff) Kruger. She graduated from Dike High School. Marlys married the love of her life, Roy M. Klinehart, on June 1, 1956 at the Colfax Presbyterian Church in Holland, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two children: Mark and Lori. Marlys retired as the Food Service Manager for Peet Junior High School after over 30 years of serving their students.

Marlys was a woman of deep faith, strong convictions and a generous heart. Her faith provided strength, hope and comfort through both the joyful and challenging times in her life. Family, friends and neighbors were at the center of her home and heart. She knew how to make a friend and how to keep a friend. She was always ready to have a conversation, share a story and definitely a laugh. She had great common sense, would tell it like it is, but with honesty and fairness. She truly cared about the people around her and was so grateful for their love, help and kindness. We will miss her “smiling” heart and the twinkle in her eye, but we will be forever grateful for her love and life.

Marlys is survived by her daughter, Lori (Craig) Hilpipre of Cedar Falls; grandchildren, Chelsea (Wes) Sindt of Cedar Falls and Will (Kayla) Hilpipre of Sumner, Michael (Lindsay) Klinehart of Ankeny, Matthew (Alicia) Klinehart of Waukee; great-grandchildren, Landyn, Nolyn, Jordyn, Brooks, Calvin, Aubrey, Eli and Lena; and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Roy; son, Mark Klinehart; and siblings, Klaus Kruger, Anona Arends, Orlen Kruger and Berdine Pruisner.

The funeral service for Marlys will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Larsen Chapel. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. The committal will be at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, June 10 at Greenwood Cemetery, Nashua. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.

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