Marilyn Caldwell

Marilyn Kay (Heier) Caldwell, 81, of Grinnell, died Monday, June 21, 2021. She was born November 22, 1939, in Oakley, KS, to Vince and Ferne (Beckman) Dickman.

Marilyn graduated high school in 1956, from Sacred Heart Academy, in Wichita, KS. She then attended Marymount College, in Salina, KS, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, in 1960. Later, in 1980, Marilyn obtained a Master’s Degree, in Elementary Education, from Fort Hays State University. She taught at Bethune Colorado Public High School and then Grinnell Middle School for 25 years, before retiring in 1999.

On June 15, 1961, Marilyn married Linus Heier and to this union five children were born. Linus passed away on December 31, 1999. On June 18, 2005, Marilyn and Roger Caldwell were united in marriage.

Marilyn spent her spare time gardening, sewing, knitting, baking, and traveling. She enjoyed attending and presenting at several spiritual retreats. Marilyn could visit with anyone, even those she just met. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events and treasured spending time with her family and friends.

Marilyn was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Grinnell, where she taught high school religion classes and was part of St. Mary’s Altar Society. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the National Alliance on Mental Health, KNEA, NEA, and was a nominee for the Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband Linus, and son-in-law Ray Shaheen.

She is survived by her husband Roger, of Grinnell; children, Donita Bozarth, Gardner, KS, Michael (Tonya) Heier, Humbolt, IA, Bev (Kevin) Birney, Bucklin, KS, Christy “Pete” Shaheen, of Manhattan, KS and Larry Heier, of Grinnell, KS; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; her sister Karen (Tom) Mense, Grinnell, KS; and sisters-in-law, Dolores (Leroy) Katt, Grainfield, KS, Jean Heier, Grinnell, KS, & Anastasia “Daisy” Fellhoelter, Wichita, KS.

Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Grinnell, KS with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 11:15 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell, with burial in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Church, Grinnell or St. Paul’s Church, Angelus and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com