Per the wishes of Marilyn and her family, cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will take place on Friday, May 19 at 10:30 A.M. at Elim Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Waterman officiating. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Marilyn and her family. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born Marilyn Kay Swendson on April 21, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Olive (Rice) Swendson. She graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1966 and went on to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Iowa Lutheran in Des Moines. Her care and compassion as a registered nurse led to her over 27-year career at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, where she retired.

After meeting the love of her life, Rodney “Pete” Diggins, they were united in marriage on June 15, 1974, in Eagle Grove. Together they made their home in Marshalltown, where they raised their family. Marilyn was a faithful and dedicated member of Elim Lutheran Church. In her free time, she enjoyed quilting and was an avid reader.

Left to cherish her memory is her children, Kenny (Mandy) Diggins, of Marshalltown, IA, and Kristense Rose, of Mason City, IA and her grandchildren: Emily and Grace Diggins and Herizen and Kazen Rose.

In eternal life, she is reunited with her beloved husband Pete, her son Mark in infancy, her parents and her brother Kenny in infancy.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Elim Lutheran Church.