Marilyn Chalgren

Marilyn Louise Davies Chalgren, 79 formerly of Garner IA passed away on April 30, 2025 after many injuries and a short battle with dementia. She was born in Rochester, MN on February 18, 1946 to Wallace and Isabelle (Ayshford) Davies.

She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1964. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College and Mankato State University earning her teaching license in 1967. Marilyn married William Chalgren in 1966 and together they had two children, William in 1968 and Caren in 1972. She taught in St James, MN and Libby, MT before staying home to care for her children. Marilyn and Bill divorced in 1977 and she moved back to the midwest. She went back to school for her special education license and accepted a job in Klemme, IA. Marilyn bought a home in Garner, IA where she lived and raised her children until 2023. She ended her career in Belmond, IA and retired in 2007. In retirement she enjoyed traveling with friends and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite activities with the children were carving pumpkins, coloring easter eggs and making lefse. She adopted and loved many cats during her lifetime.

Marilyn found her way to Galilean Lutheran Church shortly after moving to Garner. This is where she found her people, her purpose, her home. It’s where she devoted her time and talents sewing endless banners and quilts, singing in the choir, serving on committees, playing in the bell choir, designing costumes for plays, and met many of her treasured friends.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Caren (Steve) Breitenfeldt, son William (Stephanie) Chalgren and grandchildren Zachary, Alicia, Abigail and Gavin Way, Linsey (Seth) Kleinschmidt, Nickolas Chalgren and great grandchildren Ian and Ivy Kleinschmidt.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Sack.

Memorial services will be held Saturday May 10, 2025 at Galilean Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, IA. Service at 11:00 with visitation one hour prior and luncheon to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Galilean Lutheran Church.