Marilyn Deetta Ahlquist left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father on May 7, 2026. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Trimble Global Methodist Church with a private family burial of the urn to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation, with family present, will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12th at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel with a Prayer Service beginning Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated and the family will designate a meaningful cause to receive them.

Marilyn was born Marilyn Hansen on February 6, 1935, the daughter of Freda and Albert Hansen. Her childhood was filled with music - playing the piano and singing. As a teenager, Marilyn formed a barbershop quartet with her best friend Carolyn and two other friends, singing at clubs and organizations around the area. Marilyn graduated from Sioux City’s Central High School in January of 1953, the last mid-year class to graduate from “the castle on the hill”.

After high school, Marilyn worked as a secretary at an insurance company. While there, she met and then married Melvin Ahlquist on November 25, 1955. They made their home in Sioux City and raised four children who are overwhelmingly thankful to have been blessed with such wonderful parents. Marilyn spent the early years of their life together as a devoted mother in a house where there were always at least 2 dogs, home-made cookies and lots of laughter. Her family continued to be her greatest joy throughout her life.

Once her children were all in school, Marilyn worked at their church as both a secretary and in the preschool run by the church known as Fariyland. At Fairyland she formed many lasting friendships with her co-workers including Marilyn Tyler who faithfully visited her at Charter Senior Living. Marilyn went on from Fairyland to work at City Hall as a clerk in the treasury department. She retired at 56 to enjoy life on the acreage that she shared with Mel. There, they spent time with grandkids, played hundreds of games of Yahtzee, and grew beautiful gardens from which she canned her famous dill pickles.

Marilyn was a lifelong member of Trimble Global Methodist Church where she and Mel were married and their children were baptized. Marilyn spent numerous hours not only employed by the church, but serving dinners, cleaning, and singing in the choir. Marilyn began collecting Angel figurines in the 1960’s which was fitting for her both then and now.

She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her children; her daughter and her daughter’s partner Kim Jenkins and Steve Cook, son and daughter-in-law Troy and Melissa Ahlquist, all of Sioux City, daughter and son-in-law Joan and Roger Hansen of Sergeant Bluff, and daughter and son-in-law Jane and Jay Krehbiel of Dakota Dunes, grandchildren, Adam Jenkins, Aaron (Stacie) Jenkins, Tyler (Nichal) Ahlquist, Chris (Courtney) Ahlquist, Nick (Haley) Ahlquist, Tim (Torie) Hansen, Zach (Katrina) Hansen, Lizzie (Ryan) Kost, Joseph Hansen, Allie (Scotty) Colt, Kip (Sarah) Krehbiel, Bryn Krehbiel, 24 great-grandchildren, wonderful in-laws including sister-in-law Roberta Hansen, sister-in-law and brother-in law Mary and John Porter, brother-in-law Marlin Ahlquist, and many nieces and nephews.

Proceeded by her in death are her parents, her devoted husband Melvin Ahlquist, an infant son, grandsons Andrew and Benjamin Konz, brothers Wally and Dick Hansen, brother-in-laws Maynard and Marvin Ahlquist, and sister-in-laws Betty and Edith Ahlquist.

To the loving staff at Charter Senior Living Northpark and Hospice of the Midwest, thank you for your care and compassion and being a part of our lives.