Marlys Dieken

Marlys Claassen Dieken, age 92, of Dike, Iowa, was born the daughter of Claas and Alice (Neessen) Claassen on December 9, 1919, in Colfax township where she received her education.

On January 1, 1938, Marlys was united in marriage with Elmer Dieken at her parents' home in Grundy Center. They lived on the Dieken family farm in Grundy County and then moved to Dike.

Marlys was a faithful member of Colfax Center Church in Holland, and active in WIC (Women in the Church), the Esthers Bible Study Group and in many other functions. Marlys was a housekeeper at the Dike Elementary School, Grundy Center Hospital and many homes in Grundy Center and Dike. Marlys loved playing cards, visiting with her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and many friends.

Marlys died Friday, October 26, 2012, at the Grundy Care Center, Grundy Center, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother, Leroy Claassen; four sisters, Edna Pabst, Helen Buus, Lucille Thomassen, Genevieve Claassen; two son-in-laws, Harold Lindeman and Gary Andersen; and a nephew, Maurell Pabst.

Marlys is survived by three children, Dixie (John) Spain of Parkersburg, IA; Marcia (the late Gary) Andersen of Waterloo, IA; and Mike (Karen) Dieken of Dike, IA; 8 grandchildren, Leah (Gregg) Vanderholt, Dean Lindaman, Greg Andersen, Beth (Gary) Koenen, Mark Andersen, Staci, Steve and Trent Dieken, and 4 great grandchildren, Amy (Isaiah) Lockard, Rachel and Taryn Vanderholt and Zach Andersen; 3 step-grandchildren, Jackie (Bill) Hager, Steve (Beth) Spain, Connie (Jim) Wollschlager and their families and many nieces and nephews.