Marilyn Joy DeWulf Kieffer, 88, of Rock Island passed away peacefully in her own home following a short illness on July 19, 2022.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 22nd at First Presbyterian Church, 1620 First St. West, Milan. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Visitation is from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 21st at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Quad Cities Botanical Center.

Marilyn Joy DeWulf Kieffer was born May 13, 1934 in Moline, to Rudolph DeWulf and Laura DeBaker DeWulf. Marilyn lived in the Scott County area throughout her early years with the DeWulf family on their many farms. She was the last living of her seven siblings. Marilyn graduated from DeWitt High School, serving as their Homecoming Queen in 1950.

Above all her family was most important to her. She spent fifty-nine years with spouse, George. Her pride in her family and their accomplishments continued throughout her life. She enjoyed visits with grandchildren, traveling with her daughters and son-in-law.

Education was important to her, completing her AA degree at Blackhawk College, while raising two children and working full time. She continued to encourage her own family to strive for higher education, with both daughters, Lisa and Lori achieving higher degrees, along with her grandchildren.

Marilyn spent twenty-five years of her working career at Teleprompter Cable TV (now Mediacom). She led her team to numerous customer service awards. She was active in the community and in politics. She served on the Kiwanis board, as a South Park Church deacon, as member of the City of Rock Island Liquor Commission, and a mentor in the Rock Island Community Schools.

Gardening was always a part of her life, from the family farm to the flower beds around her home. Her last job was at the Quad City Botanical Center. Seeing the completion of the Children's Garden was a highlight for her. Her gardening work supported Symphony in Bloom and the Symphony Garden Club.

Left to carry on her story are her daughters Lisa (Michael) Kieffer-Haverkamp, Iowa City, IA; granddaughters, Rowan Haverkamp, Macomb, IL and Laurel Haverkamp, Iowa City, IA; Lori Kieffer-Garrison (Matthew L. Garrison), grandson, Atticus Garrison and fiancé, Shelby Burroughs, Andalusia; brother-in-law John Kieffer (Meri); Macomb, IL; Todd Garrison, friend and furry companion, Georgette. She also leaves a crew of nieces and nephews who she loved and adored.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, George Kieffer; brother, Dexter DeWulf; sister, Rosie DeWulf McDonald and siblings: Betty, JoAnn, Darrell, Don, and David.

Our most sincere thanks to Home Instead Senior Care and Unity Point Hospice Services.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.