Marsanna Kay Twedt, 79
Marsanna Kay Twedt, 79, peacefully passed away on February 6, 2022, with her three children by her side. Marsanna was born on February 24, 1942, in Marshalltown, IA, to Bertram and Gladys Twedt. She grew up on her family farm near Le Grand, IA, attended Dunbar High School until the school closed in 1956, and was then bussed to Marshalltown High School where she graduated in 1959. Following high school graduation, she attended Evangelical Hospital School of Nursing in Marshalltown and received her Registered Nursing degree in 1961. Following nursing school, she worked at Marshalltown Community Hospital. It was there she met her husband Stanley M. Rovner, who was a patient of hers following a car accident, which resulted in a fractured leg. Marsanna and Stanley were married in 1962, in Marshalltown, IA. After they married, they lived in Arizona, California and Iowa before settling in Illinois. She continued to practice nursing in various specialty areas during her career. She was considered a brilliant, hardworking and compassionate nurse, who was often promoted to the head of nursing of her department. In 1976, she returned to Iowa with her children to be near her mother and other close relatives. In 1995, she moved to Wilmington, IL to be near her children and grandchildren. Marsanna had an incredible love for all animals especially cats and wildlife. She rescued and cared for countless numbers of homeless cats and provided shelter and food for the wildlife living outside her home. This incredible love for animals was a gift that she passed down to her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her three children: Lesli Morrow (Michael), of Joliet, IL, Scott M. Rovner, of Chicago, IL, and Lisa Schnitz (Aaron), of Las Vegas, NV; six grandchildren: Justin Morrow (Melanie), of Caledonia, MI, Olivia Morrow (Rich), of Schererville, IN, Alexa Schnitz, of Grenada in the West Indies, Jordan Schnitz, of Lake Forest, IL, Camille and Cecelia Rovner, of Chicago, IL; and her longtime companion, Louis N. Hunter, of Wilmington, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertram and Gladys Twedt; her beloved uncle and aunt, Myron and Alice Twedt; her sister, Theanne G. Abrahamson; and her granddaughter, Lauren Morrow.
A memorial service will be held on May 28, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at Stavanger Friends Church, 2684 Zeller Ave., Marshalltown, IA, with burial to follow at the Stavanger Friends Cemetery located across the street from the church. A celebration of Marsanna’s life will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022, starting at 4 pm at the Best Western Regency Hotel and Banquet hall located at 3303 South Center Street, Marshalltown, IA, with food, drink, music and dancing. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Best Western Regency Hotel for those attendees looking to stay overnight (641-752-6321). Her children invite all who knew Marsanna to please join us in celebrating her life. We ask to wear bright colors if possible as we want to celebrate not mourn our mom’s life!
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation account has been set up with the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown, IA, at www.arlmarshalltown.com/donate/