Marilyn A. Mercer, 84, of Burlington, died Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Klein Center in West Burlington. Born Aug. 1, 1940, in Salem, she was the daughter of Allo Casper and Anna Elizabeth Fraise.
She was a 1958 graduate of Salem High School and was her class valedictorian and played basketball. She then continued on in schooling and earned her Cosmetology degree.
She married John E. Mercer, Jr., on September 16, 1961, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 12, 2011.
Marilyn served as a candy striper for Sacred Heart Hospital in Fort Madison and was a homemaker. She operated Grandma’s Child Care from 1975-2002 and served as a foster parent and a teacher’s aide.
She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.
Marilyn loved her husband John with all her heart and soul for over 50 years. She also loved her kids, in-laws, grandkids and great grandkids to the fullest! Her family was her everything. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at her cabin on the Mississippi River. She supported her kids, grandkids and great grandkids at life events, sporting events and all special moments.
She was happiest when surrounded by family. She enjoyed quiet moments with nature at the cabin and taking care of her plants in her yard, remodeling homes, taking her daily car rides to check on everyone and everything. She made the best food including family favorites such as chicken with drop biscuits and noodles, deviled eggs, and loved pecan pie! She collected glass chicken figurines and antiques. She would spoil the great grandkids and their pets with sweet secret snacks. She also enjoyed having fun with her friends at the Senior Center in Burlington.
She is survived by her three children; Cherylyn (Andy) Holdefer of Elizabeth, Colorado, John E. (Lori) Mercer III of Burlington and Becky (Tim) Snyder of Danville; grandchildren, Amber (fiancé Jake Davis) Holdefer of Roswell, Georgia, Aimee (Brandon) Wellman of Keota, Oklahoma, Drew (Tiffani) Holdefer of Hindsville, Arkansas, John (Sadie) Mercer IV, Max (Madison) Mercer and Timmy (fiancé Taylor) Snyder all of Burlington and Jessica Snyder of Jacksonville, Florida; great grandchildren, Briar Rose Mercer, Dawson Thomas Mercer, Maeve Florence Mercer, Waylon Coy Holdefer and one on the way and brother Harold (Roberta) Fraise of Danville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother and three sisters.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Mercer will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 14th at St. John Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish. The Rev. Father Jake Greiner will officiate. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
The Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13th at Lunning Chapel with family to receive friends following the Rosary until 7 p.m.
Flowers are welcome, however a donation to St Jude Children’s Hospital is preferred.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com