Marian L. Obst (nee Russell), 94, of Waterloo, died Dec. 31, 2022, in Waterloo. She was born Aug. 25, 1928, in Harlan, Iowa.

She was raised in Waterloo, Iowa, with her father’s parents because her mother died in childbirth. She graduated from Iowa State Teacher College. After graduation she taught English at Alta and Lemars, Iowa, where she met her husband Arlin. 

Marian taught English in Waterloo, Iowa,, did substitute teaching in Waterloo High School and worked for the Regional Superintendent of Schools. 

Marian and Arlin moved from Waterloo, Iowa, to Waterloo, Ill., where they were married for 70 years. In Waterloo, Ill., they raised their two children Mike and David.

Marian was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, as well as a member of Monroe County Historical Society and  Peterstown House, where from the early years she was an active member and spent many hours volunteering. In her free time she liked playing bridge with her friends, swimming and gardening.

She is survived by her children Mike Obst and David Obst; granddaughter Elizabeth Obst; sister-in-law Verna Levery; nieces Susan, Sheryl and Marian and Diane.

Marian is preceded in death by her husband Arlin H. Obst; parents Zenas King and Elizabeth (nee McAlister) Russell.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Jan. 3 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo and 9 a.m. until time of service Jan. 4 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo.

A funeral service will follow at the church with Pastor Merritt Demski officiating.

Interment will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Red Bud.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Alzheimer’s Association; Peterstown House; Immanuel Lutheran Church – Waterloo.