Marilyn Penn

Marilyn LeClere Penn, 71, of 301 North Chestnut, Monticello entered the Kingdom of Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 when she died at her home. At her side were her loving husband, her son, her close friend, Sharon Kromminga, and then her entire family in her home. Marilyn was well known in the Monticello and Mt. Vernon areas and loved by all who knew her. Her wonderful smile and very special style were a hallmark of her personality. Typically, Marilyn was slow to judge others and quick to embrace all. Marilyn married David Penn of Mt. Vernon on June 18, 1995 in the First Presbyterian Church of Springville, Iowa. The ensuing eleven years were filled with great happiness and fulfillment of life. Marilyn and her husband, Dave, virtually did everything together, always enjoying one and other's company to the fullest. An uncommon woman, Marilyn was well known for not only her delightful personality, but for her hospitality as hostess of the historic Farwell House Bed & Breakfast which she and her husband owned and operated in Monticello. In addition, their historic home was used for many functions and by many organizations in the area. For several years they owned and operated Mitchell's Floral in Monticello. Many found her floral designs to be of the very highest quality. Their home together was admired by many because of Marilyn's artistic talents and her amazing decorating prowess. All who entered from literally around the world were said to have felt so at home in their historic mansion. Marilyn and Dave loved to entertain their many friends over the years and she was famous for the special meals she served. Marilyn and Dave were part of wonderful congregations of prayer warriors and loving parishioners at first the Evangelical Free Church in Dyersville and later the Berean Bible Church on Monticello. Her absolute faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ was a great inspiration to all. Previously in Mt. Vernon, Marilyn was well known and loved for her nurturing day care business spanning for more than thirty years. Most recently, Marilyn was employed at J.T. Hadherway, Co. as their primary display specialist. Her artistic design and display capabilities were greatly admired. She particularly enjoyed her coworkers and owner/operator, Judy Tuetken. Marilyn is survived by her husband, David; 2 daughter, Tracy Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Amy (Russ) Barta of Marion, Iowa; 1 son, David (Meg) Edmunds of Kansas City, Missouri 8 grandchildren, Brooke Murphy and Jackie (Steve) Juve, Donovan and Matthew Edmunds, Haley and Holden Mere, Reagan and Mitchell Barta; 1 great granddaughter, Jade Juve; 1 sister, Norma (Bob) Peck of Anamosa, special friend Sharon Kromminga of Monticello and long time and ever faithful canine companion, Sophie Penn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Josephine (Woodward) LeClere