Marilyn Rose Plaehn, 96, of Waterloo, died Sunday, August 30, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born May 13, 1930, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, daughter of Arlo Neal and Gladys Pearl (Barlow) Moore. She graduated from Dike High School as the class Valedictorian in 1948 and later attended Iowa State Teachers College.

She married Louis Carsen Plaehn Jr. on April 30, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Dike. He died October 3, 1994. Together, they had two sons, David and Daniel.

Marilyn was a dynamic person, at home and in her community. She fostered a welcoming environment for her teenage sons and their friends, hosting card parties and the like. Upon hearing of her death one of David’s friends wrote “Your mom stands out as very loving, kind, compassionate, calm and generous. Your mom engaged with us; was interested in us and communicated that she always wanted the best for us.” Another wrote “Marilyn Plaehn was gift to all who knew her. I always thought your mother was special. Her grace, intelligence and kindness were examples to learn from and emulate.” A cousin wrote “Your mom’s kindness, love, humor and hospitality always meant so much to us.”

For several years, starting in 1967 Marilyn modeled for one or more department Stores in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, and her photos appeared in the paper. She was a licensed realtor.

She and Carsen shared a love of animals and usually had several dogs and cats. She also loved horses, her last being a paint named Cheyenne, her pride and joy, who lived until 2025.

Marilyn came from a musical family and continued that tradition with her husband and sons. Growing up, Marilyn’s family would sing around the piano on Sunday nights. The son, David, went on to become a professional musician.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband; son, Daniel; brother, Philip; and three sisters, Jane Mochal, Joane Plaehn, and Sue Hogshead.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Dave Plaehn (Sherri Johnson} of Corvallis, Oregon; nephews Robert Moore (Elaine), Jerry Hogshead (Marilyn), Jeff Plaehn, Mark Plaehn (Janet), and Jon Mochal; her nieces Patricia Bardole, Janean Kolbet (Kevin), Maureen Green (Jim), Kathryn Limes, Jan Powers, Jeanne Ashe (Gene), Karen Plaehn and many beloved friends.

Celebration of Life Services are 11:00 am, September 28, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, with memorial visitation for one hour prior to the services.

Inurnment will be at the Elmwood Cemetery, Dike, Iowa.

Memorials in honor of Marilyn, may be directed to the donor’s choice.