Marilyn Darlene Pollow of Waterloo passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 89.

Born in Ossian, Iowa, on July 23, 1937, Marilyn was the daughter of Leonard and Mildred (Burt) Larson. She graduated from West Union High School in 1956, and not long after, a night out dancing with friends changed the course of her life. It was there that she met Verlyse “Verly” Pollow. The two quickly formed a lasting bond and were married on August 19, 1957, at St. John’s Church in Sumner, Iowa.

Marilyn and Verly made their home in Waterloo, where they began their family and shared a loving marriage that lasted 65 years, until Verly’s passing on December 24, 2022. Together they raised three children and built a life centered on devotion, hard work, and the joy of being together.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Marilyn worked full time outside the home for more than 40 years. She was employed at a number of grocery stores over the years, where she worked in bookkeeping, clerking, and as a health and beauty manager. She brought dedication and care to her work throughout her long career before retirement.

Marilyn found happiness in life’s simple and lasting pleasures. When her children were growing up, the family spent countless weekends camping throughout Iowa and Minnesota, making memories that would be treasured for years to come. She enjoyed playing cards and shopping with her daughters, and she was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Above all else, Marilyn loved spending time with her family. They were the center of her life and her greatest joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verly; her parents, Leonard and Mildred Larson; her brothers, Bob Larson and Jim Larson; and her sister, Marge Brehme.

Marilyn’s memory will be cherished by her children, Greg Pollow and his wife, Cindee, of Waterloo, Iowa, Cynthia Tryon and her husband, Mike, of Solon, Iowa, and Melanie McDonald and her husband, Jamie, of Davidson, North Carolina. She also leaves her grandchildren, Michael Tryon, Brandon Tryon, Brett Pollow, Zach McDonald, Laure VanRoekel, Danielle McDonald, and Sarah Pollow, along with 12 great-grandchildren who added so much happiness to her life. She is also survived by her brothers, Louis Larson, Leonard Larson, and Wayne Larson. The love Marilyn gave so freely will continue to live on in all of them.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church.