Marilyn Joyce Kniss, 93, passed away on July 7, 2026, in Ankeny, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12pm to 4pm, Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Maplewood Village Community Center (413 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, IA), followed by a light lunch.

Marilyn was born on February 28, 1933, in Dubuque, IA, the first of 6 children to Edward and Bernita (Buhman) Mulgrew and 3 children to Arthur and Bernita (Mulgrew) Coffin. The family moved to Waterloo, IA when Marilyn was four years old.

Graduating in 1951 from East Waterloo High School, Marilyn enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Her father was killed in action in WWII; she was the first War Orphan to attend that college.

Marilyn put her education on hold to raise her 4 children after marrying Dale Kniss in 1955. After graduating from Gates Business College in Waterloo, Marilyn accepted an accounting position with the Veterinary Medical Research Institute at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. In 1985, Marilyn received her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Home Economics. Marilyn always said her favorite job at Iowa State was with the Extension Service when she traveled throughout the state performing over 11,000 Home Energy Audits for Iowans.

During 1988-1993, Marilyn founded and published the singles publication, Single Living Magazine. She retired from ISU in May of 2002. She last resided in Ankeny, IA to live closer to her beloved children and grandchildren.

Marilyn was a member of Omicron Nu Honor Society, The Red Hat Society of Ames, a cohort of Reiman Gardens, the Iowa Arboretum, and Prime Time. She enjoyed her family and friends, Prime Time programs, gardening, picture taking, and going on Caribbean cruises. She was a loving parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and a longtime citizen of Ames.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Kirk (Karen) of Ames, Kent (Cindy) of Granger, Karen of Ankeny, Kevin (Dawn) Kniss of Owasso, OK; grandchildren, Leah Kniss of Iowa City, Jennifer (Matthew) Nieman, DeSoto, KS, Kylee Kniss of Tulsa, OK, Dalton Kniss of New York, NY, Maddalin Kniss of Granger, and Taylor Kniss of Granger; four great grandchildren; three brothers; and three sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens in Marilyn’s name.

Celebration of Life

Jul

24

Maplewood Village Community Center

413 S.E. Delaware Avenue
Ankeny, IA

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM