Marilyn L. Pleiness, age 77, of Cedar Rapids, IA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, was called home to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids due to complications from COVID Pneumonia.  To honor Marilyn’s life, her memorial service will be held on June 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Good News Baptist Church, 1203 3^rd Avenue S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA, with her brother-in-law, Robert Harvey officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in food and fellowship from 12pm until 2:00 p.m. after the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Marilyn’s family.

Marilyn was born on July 22, 1944, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, a daughter to Clyde and Catherine (Kote) Pillivant, where she lived until she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Robert C. Pleiness, Sr., on July 28, 1962.  Her 77-year earthly journey can be best described as one of love, commitment, and devotion, not only to her family and friends, but to her Creator as well.  In 1971, Robert and Marilyn founded Bible Baptist Church in Dubuque Iowa, after attending Arlington Baptist Seminar in Arlington, Texas. They stayed and ministered in Dubuque for 25 years.  They then moved to Cedar Rapids, when Robert became Pastor of Good News Baptist Church.   Being the salt and light in the world around her came very naturally to Marilyn and the legacy she leaves behind is a wonderful testimony for all who knew and loved her to reflect upon.  Her love of fishing started as a young child with her dad and continued throughout her life.  She was a gifted musician and thoroughly enjoyed sharing her talents on the piano and violin, along with her beautiful singing voice with all who would listen.  Sharing the Good News of Christ’s love and salvation through Him were continually on display in Marilyn’s daily life.   In her free-time, she enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, working on her latest puzzles and watching the Cedar Rapids Kernels play ball on a nice day.   Marilyn’s love for life and the opportunities to share all that was good in it was evident in her perpetually positive attitude.  She knew and understood that God is sovereign in all things and that His plan is always for good for those who love Him.  It’s difficult to say farewell for now to our dear Marilyn as she passes from this temporal world into eternity, but we will be forever grateful that the Lord saw fit to place Marilyn in all of our lives at this time and for the abundance of years and memories we were given as well.  Thank you, Marilyn, for leading by example, giving more than receiving, and living the life of a good and faithful servant throughout.  May the Lord now keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Marilyn include,

her loving husband,

Pastor Robert C. Pleiness, Sr., Cedar Rapids, IA;

her two adored children,

Robert (Lori) Pleiness, Jr., Fairfax, IA,

and Sherri (Ron) Street, Cedar Rapids, IA;

her nine grandchildren,

Jason (Kristal) Bolton, Ely, IA,

Eric (Taylor) Bolton, Ely, IA,

Alex Pleiness, Cedar Rapids, IA,

Zachary Bolton, North Liberty, IA,

Zach Street, Cedar Rapids, IA,

Catherine Natalya Pleiness, West Des Moines, IA,

Arianna (Garson) Hiles, Cedar Rapids, IA,

Brayden Street, Cedar Rapids, IA,

and David Street, Cedar Rapids, IA;

her four great-grandchildren,

Austin, Layla, Duke and Ella;

her sister,

Judy (Robert) Harvey, Mt. Clemens, Michigan

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Clyde E. Pillivant, Jr.

Marilyn’s family would like to thank all of their family and friends who have been by our sides through this difficult journey.  Your love and support have truly made a difference and we pray that the Lord will bless you all for your kindnesses.

Online condolences may be shared with Marilyn’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Memorials can be sent to Robert Pleiness in care of Good News Baptist Church, 1203 3^rd Avenue S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404