Marilyn M. Keck

Marilyn passed away at the age of 89 1/2, while residing at the Pikes Peak - Post Acute - Nursing Home after suffering a severe stroke that left her mostly bed-ridden for the last few years. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Loy Keck (Jan 12, 1931 - Sep 12, 1990), her youngest son, Erick John Keck (Aug 7, 1974 - Jul 21 2022), parents Orville Raymond Erickson (1903 - 1987), Sylvia Amelia Erickson Larson (1907 - 2001), siblings; Violet Ann Carlson (1929-2015), John Edward "Sonny" Erickson (1930 - 2014), Gary Orville Erickson (1940-2020), Vernon Duane Erickson (1941 - 2019) and Brian G. Erickson (1949 - 2020). 

Survived by siblings; Bonnie Jean Erpelding, David Erickson, Barbara Muklebust, children; Timothy Loy Keck (Jennie), Kimberly Sylvia Keck Holcomb (John), Steven Duane Keck, grandchildren; Alexandria Holcomb Tessari, Amelia Keck and great grandchildren; Finnegan Tessari, Chloe Tessari and Bramley Keck. 

Marilyn was born in rural Webster County, Iowa and grew on the family farm near Thor and Badger, Iowa with 8 brothers and sisters. She graduated high school and enjoyed time with the 4-H, among other activities. Marilyn married Donald L. Keck, a Korean War veteran, and raised their family in Fort Dodge, Iowa, having three sons; Timothy, Steven and Erick and a daughter, Kimberly. The family moved from Fort Dodge, Iowa to Colorado Springs, Colorado when Erick was a small child and Marilyn went back to college and became an award-winning college teacher, winning teacher of the year at Blair College among many other accolades. After the loss of her husband, Don in 1990, Marilyn raised Erick by herself, ensuring he graduated high school and had a full sports and social life. Marilyn and Erick traveled to Alaska, where she had an opportunity to teach high school for a few years. She returned to Colorado Springs where she taught for many years before retirement. 

The stroke in 2019 severely altered what was a very active life and she was restricted to residing in the nursing home, where for a year or so, she resided in the same room with her youngest son, Erick John, who was suffering from debilitating Diabetes. 

Marilyn enjoyed traveling to visit family (returning to Iowa and other states), supporting the church, having a glass of wine with friends and watching the Minnesota Vikings football game with her son, Erick John, surrounded by other football fans. She enjoyed a long, eventful life, and as she has said "enjoyed the ride." 

Marilyn will be interred at North Lawn Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Iowa with her son, Erick John, and her husband Donald L. Keck. This will be scheduled for July 2025. 

Memorial services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs, 4925 Farmingdale Dr. Colorado Springs, CO on December 27, 2024 at 3:00PM