Marilyn Zeller

Marilyn Zeller, age 95, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was born on February 11, 1930, in Clearfield, Iowa, to Viva and Dr. Loyd Frank Mahoney. She graduated from Clearfield High School and attended Simpson College.

She spent much of her life in Des Moines, Iowa, where she met Dean Zeller. They were married in 1950, and together they built a home centered on faith, family, and community until Dean’s passing in 2011. Marilyn worked in banking for 25 years.

A longtime and devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Des Moines, Marilyn’s faith was an important part of her life.

Marilyn found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading, playing bridge, and faithfully cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. One of her greatest joys was baking for those she loved. Marilyn’s specialties were homemade cinnamon rolls and ginger snaps. Every Christmas, Marilyn made 15 dozen ginger snaps for her family and friends. They didn’t last through New Years. Marilyn especially enjoyed baking with her grandchildren.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean Zeller; her brothers, Bill, Bob, and Roger Mahoney, and granddaughter, Hannah Zeller.

She is survived by her three children: Marcia Griffin; Kirk Zeller (Carla); Craig Zeller (Julie). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Kelsey, Kayla, Jared, Madeline, Kaliya, Jasmine, and Adarios—and four great-grandchildren, Laila, Alina, Marquise, and Million. Marilyn is also survived by her beloved nieces, Sandi Sibley and Karen Bieghler and her niece and special caregiver, Sheila Adamson.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Cedar Ridge Village

for their care for the past 2 1/2 years.

Marilyn will be remembered for her sweet nature, her deep love for her family, and her unwavering faith.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church (1001 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309) on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 am with a visitation starting at 10 am.  Following the memorial service, a luncheon will be held at the church, all are welcome to attend.

Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church of Des Moines.