Marilyn Freerksen

Marilyn Sue Freerksen (née Deskin) died peacefully on October 10, 2025 at the age of 87 in Papillion, Nebraska.

Born on October 16, 1937 in Rockford, Illinois to Norris Clarence Deskin and Imogene Blackledge Deskin, Marilyn spent her childhood in both Des Moines, Iowa and her beloved Albuquerque, New Mexico, two cities in which her father owned a local pharmacy. Graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1955 and the Des Moines School of Practical Nursing in 1969, Marilyn chose to dedicate herself to the service of others.

Through her long career as a nurse and her volunteerism with a variety of causes, including hospice nursing and other healthcare work in Des Moines, Marilyn's life was marked by unfailing kindness and a desire to better the world around her. She worked for years at Des Moines General Hospital, where she made many lifelong friends. Marilyn was an avid reader, a treasured voice in her church and its choir, and a passionate and oft-published writer of letters to the editor in the Des Moines Register. She was also a beloved member of many local groups, including WIMI Women, her Lunch Bunch, Button Club, and Questers. Marilyn adored gardening, murder mysteries, the music of Elvis, and theater, which she frequented as an usher at the Des Moines Civic Center.

Marilyn's greatest joy was her family: her parents and siblings, children, niece and nephew, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom fondly referred to her as "Little Grandma." She was an affectionate and devoted grandmother, always present and supportive at games, recitals, and the many important moments in her grandchildren's lives. She passed away in the home of her daughter, Melissa, and son-in-law, Randy, where she had lived comfortably for the last year of her life.

Known for her timeless style, grace, and warmth, Marilyn was a lifelong learner, a generous and compassionate friend, and an independent spirit to her last day.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Norris Deskin; brother-in-law Larry Steinmetz; and Brad Nelson, husband to her niece, Jacqueline.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Sarah) Clark, Melissa (Randy) Trail, and Christina Refsland and partner Cory; grandchildren Benjamin (Stephanie) Clark, Adam (Dawn) Clark, Kaitlyn (TJ) Middlemis-Clark, Jordan (Erika) Clark, Jacob (Christine) Trail, Matthew Trail, Zachary Trail and partner Tomás, Samantha Freerksen-Henning and fiancé Christopher, Elise Refsland, and Olivia Refsland; great-grandchildren Thomas, John, Charlie, Caden, Charlotte, Finn, Nora, and Margaret; sister JoAnn (Larry †) Steinmetz; niece Jacqueline (Brad †) Nelson; nephew Bradley (Jennifer) Steinmetz; great-nephews Henry and Jack Steinmetz; Kay (Tim) Campbell; and many other family and friends.

Marilyn's funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on October 25, 2025 at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Des Moines Public Library Foundation at dmplfoundation.org.