Marilou Risser, 82, of West Des Moines, formerly from Maquoketa, passed away on August 6, 2025.

Born on July 17, 1943, to Darrell and Helen (Battles) Reichling, she graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1961, then attended Stephens College, an all-girls school in Columbia, MO.

On September 6, 1963, she married Bill Risser, sharing 52 wonderful years together. They welcomed two children, Alison and Cameron.

Her professional life began working alongside her father-in-law, Dr. Clay Risser. She and Bill owned and operated Bob the Florist, which later became Brenda’s Flowers. Marilou then served as an employment specialist at Operation New View, followed by many years at Eastern Iowa Community College supporting individuals with employment barriers, until her retirement.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter Alison Risser of West Des Moines, son Cameron (Susan) Risser of West Des Moines, granddaughters Shannon (Joe) Daurelle-Brown of Ankeny and Haleigh (Nick) Leach of Waukee, sisters-in-law Jeanne Risser and Mona Reichling, her five nieces, and many cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her mother- and father-in-law Dr. Clay and Ruth Risser, her brother Chuck Reichling, and her brother-in-law Bob Risser.

Marilou was a 50-year member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, past President of the Compass Club in the Des Moines area, a member of Eastern Star and Lutheran Church of Hope. She enjoyed playing bridge, belonging to several bridge clubs.

Marilou found joy in arranging flowers, traveling with her loved ones, enjoying Florida winters with friends, being near the water, and taking convertible rides with Bill. Her granddaughters were her pride and joy.

A service to celebrate Marilou’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, with a luncheon immediately following in “The Bistro” at Carson’s from 12 to 2 P.M. All are welcome to attend.  A private family burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marilou Risser Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.