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Romaine Mackaman, 93, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny, IA. Visitation will be Friday, October 2, 2026, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3 at First Congregational Church in Marshalltown. Interment will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. A luncheon at the church will follow the burial. Memorial donations may be made in Romaine's name to Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)-Spinning Wheel Chapter of Marshalltown, c/o Diane Hobson, Trs., 2580 250th St., Marshalltown, IA, 50158. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Born on August 23, 1933, to Robert and Velda Rockhill, Romaine lived and thrived in her hometown of Marshalltown. She had one older sister, Dorothy. A dedicated student, she graduated as valedictorian of Marshalltown High School in 1951 before earning her Bachelor of Education from Drake University, Des Moines, in 1962. She taught kindergarten in Marshalltown for five years.
Romaine shared a beautiful, enduring love story with her sweetheart, Donald Mackaman. They met while playing clarinet in the Marshalltown Municipal Band. The two were happily married for 68 years before his passing in 2021. Together, they built a life centered around family, friendship, and community.
Romaine was proud to be a member of many organizations, including Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR- Spinning Wheel chapter since 1955), Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and TOPS/KOPS. She was an avid bridge player. She especially liked inviting friends and neighbors over for coffee and conversation.
Romaine started painting in 1946 at the age of 13. Through her classes, she developed a specific interest in oil painting. She later took classes as an adult and studied with established artists at the Marshalltown Art Center. She was involved with the Central Iowa Art Association. She painted countless landscapes, wildlife, farm scenes, and architecture, and charming portraits of her grandchildren. She proudly displayed many paintings at the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center and in shows in Marshall County, as well as at the Iowa State Fair.
Deeply rooted in her community, Romaine was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church. She was involved in volunteering and supporting numerous local programs; lately the Marshalltown Community Band and the Arts & Culture Alliance. An avid supporter of Iowa Public Television, she particularly liked "The Lawrence Welk Show."
Romaine also preserved a lasting tradition of Iowa family farming. She was recognized at the Iowa State Fair this year with an Iowa Heritage Farm Award for 150 continuous years of family farm ownership.
Romaine's legacy of kindness, and creativity lives on through her family. She is survived by her four children: Sharon (Phillip) Riskin, Lorraine Gilkison, Carole (Frederick) Coleman, and Craig (Deborah) Mackaman; her six adored grandchildren: Stephanie (Nicholas) Watson, Robert (Michelle) Riskin, Austin (Patricia) Coleman, Mason (Alexis) Mackaman, Luke (Hannah) Mackaman, and Nicholas Mackaman; her six precious great-grandchildren: Doyle, Ryland, Brynn, and Kinley Watson; Lorelei and Cadence Riskin; and dear niece Brenda (Don) Taylor. Romaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; and her sister, brother-in-law, and niece: Dorothy, David, and Karla Kruse.