05/26/2026
Marilyn Argotsinger
Marilyn Virginia Argotsinger passed into eternal life on May 24, 2026, at St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA at the age of 93. Her funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, 1036 7th Street, in Nevada. Family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Marilyn will be laid to rest at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada.
Marilyn was born on October 29, 1932, in Onawa, Iowa, to Olius M. and Anna R. Olson of Mapleton, Iowa. She was raised on tenant farms and educated in country schools, entering the first grade at age four. By age 11 she was giving piano lessons. Her first public performance was at her brother’s wedding at age 12. She has been playing the piano and giving private lessons to children and adults over the past 82 years.
Marilyn was a 1950 graduate of Mapleton High School and the first in her family to attend college, graduating in 1952 from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She married Jack D. Argotsinger on August 16,1952 and began her teaching career in Melvin, Iowa. Jack and Marilyn moved around several times before settling for good in Nevada, Iowa in 1959. Marilyn enjoyed being a homemaker, selling Avon and sharing her love of music through countless church and school activities.
Marilyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church, PEO, an honorary member of the Nevada Lions Club and served on the Nevada Cemetery Board for several years. She was an exceptional cook, baker, seamstress, and upholsterer. Holidays at Grandma’s house meant lots of Grandma Rolls, Kruns Kruchen, Spritz cookies and Kringla. She was especially proud of her Norwegian heritage, and loved documenting the family history. Her great-grands knew her and affectionately called her ‘Grandma Great’. Marilyn was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who were impacted by her many talents.
Marilyn is survived by her three children and spouses: Jeff (Betsy) Argotsinger of Peoria, AZ, Julie (Dave) Larson of Ave Maria, FL and Jamie (Barb) Argotsinger of Rogers, AR; Grandchildren Jennifer (Ben) Seigman, Matthew Argotsinger, Jill Argotsinger, Carrie (Craig) Kuhlmann, Chelsey (Erik) Miller, Kerstie Larson (Brian Perry), Emily (Matthew) Shortino, Andrew Argotsinger, and Ryan (Acacia) Argotsinger.
Great-Grandchildren Illa, Lars, Quinley, Lakyn, Camden, Charlotte, Sofie and Jack. Sister Maribelle (Richard) Betterton of Cedar Falls, IA, several nieces and nephews, and special friends, Deb and Paul Malsom and Vicki Tendall of Nevada, IA.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, two brothers, one sister, three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and four nephews.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory in Nevada, IA is taking care of Marilyn’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Nevada Community Schools Music Department.
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