Marilyn Schaer Obituary

Marilyn Ruth Schaer, 87, of Elgin, Iowa, passed away peacefully in July 2025. She was a beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many. Marilyn will be remembered for her quiet strength, kindness, and generosity to all who knew her.
She was born on December 17, 1937, on a sparkling hoarfrost day at the Schaer family farmhouse in Elgin, Iowa. Marilyn was the first daughter of John and Elizabeth (Jacob) Schaer. She was later joined by two sisters, Dorothy Marie and Jean Ann. Her earliest public appearances were at the First Baptist Church in Elgin, where four generations of her family had worshiped. Marilyn's personal decision to make Christ the center of her life gave her the peace and confidence that she would meet her Lord and Savior upon her death.
Marilyn received her early education at the Lime Kiln Country School, where she completed eight years, and then graduated from Elgin Public School with the Class of 1955. She immediately began working at the Elgin Echo publication and later at Postville Schools as a secretary before moving to Wheaton, Illinois.
Marilyn lived and worked in the Wheaton area for over 40 years. She began her career as secretary in the Employment Department at Scripture Press. Her dedication and leadership led her to become Director of the Human Resources Department. She later accepted a position at the North American Baptist International Office, following a brief time in marketing. Her career encompassed various management roles, including fundraising, publication editing, and large-scale event planning. Her work allowed her to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada, with additional personal travels to Europe, Central America, and South America.
Marilyn's experience and wisdom earned her invitations to serve on several boards, including a nursing firm, a literature mission in Wheaton, two seminaries-one in Edmonton, Alberta, and another in Sioux Falls, South Dakota-and a life insurance company in Buffalo, New York. She found great joy in being of service to others.
After returning to Elgin, Marilyn remained active in her community. She served on the Elgin Cemetery Board, the building committee for the new Baptist Church, and was involved with the Elgin Historical Society.
She will be remembered for her quick and decisive mind. She could analyze a problem, make a decision and carry out the plan. She was always ready for the next adventure. Family was very important to her and she made them all a part of her life. Marilyn was kind, compassionate and generous. Family and friends will miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elizabeth Schaer, and her sister Dorothy Schaer. She is survived by her sister, Jean (Marcos) Orellana of Pasadena, California; nieces, Valerie (Joshua) Massie and their children, Daniel and Ava of Salem, Oregon; and Jamie (Robin) Willis and their children, Luke, Faith, and Evan of Pasadena, California. Marilyn also leaves behind many cherished friends.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday August 14, 2025 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgun, Iowa.
A service to celebrate Marilyn's life will be held will be at 10:00 am on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Elgin, Iowa.
Inurnment will follow at Elgin Cemetery in Elgin, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is assisting the family with services.