Marilyn Jean Baxter

Marilyn J. Baxter, 89, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by family.

Marilyn Jean Braun was born November 11, 1935, to Harry and Felicitas (Mills) Braun on the Mills family farm in West Liberty, Iowa. Marilyn grew up in Nichols, Iowa, where she attended a country school, walking a half-mile each day, and graduated from Nichols High School. She married Ronald Baxter in 1952 in Mediapolis. The couple resided on a farm in Nichols, where they raised their 4 sons. The family moved to DeWitt in 1969. As well as being a homemaker, Marilyn worked at Owen Brush Company in Iowa City and Barnes Foodland in DeWitt. After retirement, she and Ron spent 13 years in Florida, where Marilyn enjoyed golf, the beach, and playing cards.

Marilyn had a deep love for family, and her homemade noodles were a staple at family gatherings, which became a beloved tradition. She was also a great pie baker and was an avid Hawkeye fan. Marilyn was known for sending thoughtful greeting cards to relatives over the years. Alongside Ron, she attended all sports events for their sons and grandchildren, always supporting their activities. In later years she made daily trips to Westwing to care for her mother.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Ron; sons, Kerry (Susan) Baxter of Eldridge, Tommy Baxter of Davenport, Jody (Jane) Baxter of DeWitt, and Scott (Carla) Baxter of DeWitt; grandchildren, Eric, LeeAnn, Brent, Sara, Ashley, Brady, Brett, Brea, and Briar, along with eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Plumb of Davenport, and a sister-in-law, Donna Braun of Hills.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Virgil Braun, and her grandson Brian.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the service time of 3:00 p.m. at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, with a private committal service.

Livestreaming at http://www.facebook.com/schultzfuneralhomes/live.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fieldstone or St. Joe’s School.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn Jean Baxter, please visit our floral store.