Marilyn Hoffman Obituary

BLOOMINGTON - Marilyn S. Hoffman, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at MercyOne in Dubuque.

She was born on February 15, 1944, the daughter of Joe and Mazie (Reise) Gates. Marilyn graduated from Bloomington High School. She enjoyed music, played drums in the band, and was the majorette in the high school marching band.

On June 15, 1963, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Doug Hoffman. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and service. Marilyn was a member of the Bloomington United Methodist Church, now known as Backroads Church, Ruth Circle, and Glen Haven Homemakers. She enjoyed making quilts for her family, loved rides in her Ford Mustang, and was quite a home decorator. Marilyn was a proud mother of four children, supporting them in every endeavor and adventure they pursued.

Marilyn worked alongside Doug in operating their family bus transportation business, Warco. She also drove school buses for many years, earning the respect and admiration of her Glen Haven area bus riders.

Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband, Doug, and their children: Tom (Tamie), Tim (Darla), Tony (Rachel), and Terry (Brian) Mayne; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Joe (Karen) Gates; sister-in-law, Mary (Mark) Schildgen; brother-in-law, Jim (Doreen) Hoffman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mazie Gates; her sister, Sharon Parkins and brothers-in-law: James Parkins and Ronald Hoffman; and in-laws, Charles and Frances Hoffman.

Marilyn’s love for her family, her community, and her joyful spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Bloomington Methodist Church at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating. The burial will be in the Bloomington Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.