Sister Marilyn (Veronica) Freking, OSF, 86, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Mount Saint Francis, Clare House.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Clare House Chapel, Mount Saint Francis Center. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Sister Marilyn was born on June 29, 1939, in Le Mars, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mary (Waldschmitt) Freking. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on September 3, 1957, and made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1963. Sister Marilyn received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. She ministered as an educator in Illinois at St. Christopher School in Midlothian and Corpus Christi School in Chicago, where she also served as a pastoral associate.

She is survived by her sisters, Carole Freking, OSF, and Rose Ann (Tom) Harvat; brother, Ronald Freking; brother-in-law, Bob Ryba; step-sisters, Mary Zirul and Ann Holst; step-sisters-in-law, Janet Willenborg and Amy Florian; step-brother-in-law, Marty Malin; many nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Elmer Willenborg; sister, Betty Ruba; sister-in-law, Janice Freking; step-sisters, Joyce Malin and Jane Willenborg; step-brothers, Tom Willenborg and John Willenborg; and step-brothers-in-law, Elias Zirul and Dallas Holst.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque and the Mount Saint Francis Center staff for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa.