Obituary of Marcia Jean Thomas

Marcia J. Thomas, age 83, passed away late on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her home in Iowa City, IA after prolonged illness.  A private service for the immediate family will be held.

Marcia Jean Thomas was born on March 8, 1941 at the hospital in Marshalltown, Iowa.  She was the fourth of six children born to Arlo Otto and Pearl Inez (Locke) Kothenbeutel.  Older siblings were Ralph and Harold Kothenbeutel and Sharon (Kothenbeutel) Hodnefield.  Carlton and Dennis Kothenbeutel completed the family as the youngest brothers.

Marcia was a Christian, having put her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior from her sins, and lived with full hope of being united with God for eternity in heaven, where she now is.

She attended Aaron Palmer elementary school and graduated from Marshalltown High School  in 1959. She began to pursue a 2 year degree at the American Institute of Business College while working to pay for her education.

Marcia started working at Dunham-Bush as a secretary, where she caught the eye of Robert H. Thomas, who asked her out.  They continued to date and they were engaged on Christmas eve that same year and married the following year on June 12, 1964.  Over the next ten years they were blessed with two daughters, Tami Jean (Thomas) Krchak and Marci Lynne (Thomas) Denney.

Marcia spent much of her two daughters’ pre-college years as a full-time mother, which they greatly appreciated.  She loved spending time with and caring for her daughters and husband.  She also worked as a secretary/administrative assistant.

In the early 1990s, Marcia went back to school to complete her AA and AS in business at Marshalltown Community College.  

Marcia loved her sons-in-law Kyle Krchak and Seth Denney.  She also really enjoyed spending time with her six grandkids (from oldest to youngest):  Noah Krchak, Samuel Denney, Luke Krchak, Isaiah Denney, Josiah Denney and Abigail Denney. Marcia valued education and supporting her grandkids in their activities.

Her husband Robert supported and cared for her through their almost 60 years of marriage, sticking to their vows and staying by her side.  They loved each other through a variety of challenges and joys.

She will be missed by her daughters and their families, her surviving brother, Carlton, her many nieces and nephews and extended family, as well as her close friends.

A memorial fund has not been established at this time.