Marilyn Richard, 61, of Dubuque, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at her home in Dubuque.

Marilyn was born on October 31, 1964, in Waterloo, IA, and adopted as an infant by Merlyn and Kathryn (Folkerd) Richard, who lived outside of Greene, Iowa, on a charming little farm. Merlyn and Kathryn adored Marilyn, and Marilyn remained a loving and devoted daughter and only child. Her parents took her on many trips to Canada, where they enjoyed camping and fishing together.

When she was young, she found her way to services at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Nashua. It was there that she heard the gospel and became a Christian. Faith in Jesus Christ would ultimately be a defining trait of Marilyn. She would quietly respond when asked how she was doing by saying, “Blessed and kept.” The small house where she lived in Dubuque was affectionately called “God’s 5-room flat.”

She graduated from Hamilton Business College, where she made lifelong friends who referred to one another as the “909ers,” after the street number of the house where they lived. Marilyn was an alumnus of Emmaus University where she also spent 25 years serving in accounts payable, where her diligence and faithfulness were well known.

Marilyn was quiet, but witty. To enjoy her clever sense of humor, one had to be patient and listen closely. She was thoughtful in everything she did and deeply ministered to and loved others.

She was a devoted member of Hope Church and an active participant in Celebrate Recovery, a grief support group. Marilyn was blessed with a rich and beautiful singing voice and enjoyed praising God in song at church and in friends’ houses.

Marilyn K. Richard-blessed and kept in life, and now forever kept by the Living God.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials may be given to Hope Church,11893 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Visitation 9:30 am – 10:15 am Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at Hope Church.
Service at 10:30 am Saturday, February 7, 2026, also at Hope Church with Pastor Ross Harrison officiating. Lunch will be immediately following at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel 2843 JFK Road, Dubuque. Burial will be at Dumont Cemetery in Dumont, Iowa, on a later date.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Marilyn’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.