Marilyn Jean (Rentschler) Gibbs

Marilyn Jean (Rentschler) Gibbs, 86, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at her home.  She was born on May 5, 1939, on the Rentschler farm on a hill facing the Turkey River outside of Elkport, the daughter of Mark and Maxine (Kafer) Rentschler.  Marilyn was so tiny that she fit in a shoe box.  The doctor said that she would not survive, but she did. She grew up in Clayton County and attended a number of one room schools, including Velerson, Halverson, Filling, and Eno Schools.  The family always lived far from the schools and she had to walk to school no matter the weather. In 1952, her family moved to a farm north of Strawberry Point, where she graduated from Strawberry Point High School. 

Marilyn helped take care of the animals while on the farm because she loved being around them. She made butter, homemade soap, mowed the lawn, helped tend the garden, and took care of her younger sisters, Judy and Betty Jane. This was quite a chore for a young person growing up. 

In 1957, Marilyn was united in marriage to the love of life, Lain Gibbs, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point. One son was born to this union. Marilyn liked making bread and serving friends. She enjoyed attending many Bible studies over the years. She also liked feeding the birds and wildlife while living in the country. In her spare time, she loved to square and ballroom dance, play games, or grab a good book.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Lain Gibbs of Manchester; her son; two sisters, Dr. Betty Hanson of Alhambra, California, and Judy Glesne of Omaha, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Mark Rentschler; her mother, Maxine (Kafer) Rentschler Hanson; her stepfather, Howard Hanson; her brother, Carl Rentschler; and a brother-in-law, Gene Glesne.
 

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