Dorothy Marxen

Dorothy A. Marxen, 89, of Rock Island, IL passed away peacefully in her home January 4, 2022 following 6 months of Hospice care. A private burial will be held at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to be planned for a future date. Memorials may be made to St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Davenport. Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com.

Dorothy was born September 13, 1932 on a farm near Cloverdale, WI to Joseph and Rose Seda. Dorothy graduated from Traer High School in 1951. She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo which led to her spiritual call to become a nun and joined the Franciscan Order, attending Marquette University in Milwaukee where she earned her B.S. degree as a Registered Nurse.

In 1968, Dorothy formally departed the convent and moved to Davenport, Iowa. She married Lloyd Marxen on March 5, 1969 and raised four children: Darcel Marxen of Lewisville, NC; Lana Herteen (Patrick) of Urbandale, IA; Deandra Pearson (Bob) of Davenport, IA; and Jason Marxen of Rock Island, IL. She treasured her multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dorothy was an avid animal-lover, especially her many pet cats over the years. Dorothy and Lloyd enjoyed gardening together and raised vegetables that supplied local restaurants. Dorothy worked as a school nurse for the Davenport Community School District until she retired.

Preceded in death by: husband, parents, and 9 siblings. Her one surviving sibling is Helen Finn of Waterloo, IA.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice Care for their outstanding care of Dorothy and support of the family.