Marilyn Ewald

Marilyn Jeanne Ewald, 88, of West Des Moines, IA died on Monday, May 15, 2023, of natural causes.

Marilyn was born on January 31, 1935, to Evelyn and Elmer Haasch of Menominee, MI. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Richard Ewald. In 1966, Marilyn and Wayne took their seven children and moved to Iowa where they lived out the rest of their lives. Always proud to be a mom, she eventually chose to work part time outside of the home after all of her children were in school. She loved having that time to make new friends but still had the flexibility to be home for her kids when school was out. Marilyn and Wayne made several great friends through their church, especially their couple’s bridge club. That group shared more than playing cards, they made parties out of each and every gathering.

Marilyn and Wayne hosted card parties, potlucks, Happy Hours at the local Mexican restaurant and many Fourth of July back yard BBQ’s that were sure to add “sparks” to the day. They never knew a stranger and welcomed whoever showed up on any one particular day. Marilyn was always first to respond, “Party” when a message went out to the family regarding some upcoming event. It always defaulted upon her to make her famous Potato Salad and Pickle & Bologna sandwiches depending on the celebration. She had those down to a science.

She is survived by her children, Debra Assmann, Steven (Cynthia) Ewald, Thomas (Kathie) Ewald, James (Jeannie) Ewald, Robert Ewald, Barbara (Mike) Glantz, Susan (Brad) Westpheling; ten, grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; four sisters; one brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; brother, Richard, and her parents.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, 8201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved one shine down to let us know, they are happy”