Marilyn M. Dickey, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, Iowa, at the age of 85.

Marilyn was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on Nov. 6, 1930, where she graduated from East Madison High School and met the love of her life, Harold Dickey. They were married on Jan. 15, 1949, in Madison, Wisconsin. Marilyn was employed by the State of Wisconsin early in their marriage and took great joy in her role of wife, mother, homemaker and community volunteer while raising their four children. Marilyn accompanied Hal on various adventures and work-related travels during Hal’s Navy career. Her favorite were several trips to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda.

Marilyn was instrumental in beginning the Cedar Valley workshop in Austin, Minnesota, as well as serving on numerous boards and committees including but not limited to Cedar Valley Services, Mrs. Jaycees, Eastern Star, Lutheran Church circles and the YMCA. Marilyn was a stranger to no one and made friends wherever she went. She was slow to anger and quick to forgive. Her quick smile and selfless, joyous heart will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Anything Marilyn had she happily shared with others, including the peanut brittle recipe which has made her husband Hal’s annual peanut brittle production famous and loved by many for over 35 years.

Those left to cherish her memory include: her husband of 65 years, Harold Dickey of Osage; son David Dickey of Lake City; daughter-in-law Kathy Martin of Lake City; daughter Diana Branstad of Osage; grand-daughters: Natalie Jack (Derek) of Grinnell, Iowa, and Paige Branstad of Ankeny, Iowa; daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Rick Mandt of Owatonna, Minnesota; grandson Nicholas Gartland of Duluth; son Daniel (LeAnn) along with their children Tara, Tory and Trevor of Albia, Iowa; great-grandson Riley Gartland of Duluth and “baby” Jack, due in January, of Grinnell, Iowa; brothers and sisters-in-laws; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Harlan Small.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa, at 1 p.m. Memorials may be directed to “Special Olympics” in care of Osage Community Schools or to Messiah Lutheran Church, Charles City, Iowa. Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323, in Charles City, is helping the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.