KEOTA—Marlin (Marlie) Albert Greiner, 79, passed away on April 28th, 2025. A steward of unwavering faith, a dedicated farmer, and a man whose generosity knew no bounds, Marlie lived his life in service to others.
Marlie was born on October 11, 1945, in Washington, IA to Leonard and Mary (Woerdeman) Greiner. He graduated from Keota High School in 1963 and enlisted in the army reserves. He married his loving wife, Bonnie, in 1970 and they put down roots in Keota, IA before starting their family. Never one to be idle, in addition to farming full-time Marlie ingrained himself into his community, serving on the bank board, the church council, the Parish Finance Council, RCIA, the Co-op Board, and various other roles. Additionally, he served as the Transportation Director of the Keota School District and a seed dealer for Stauffers and Northrup King.
Marlie’s pride and joy were his nine children, whom he always cherished with unwavering love. Above all, Marlie adored his 25 grandchildren and his great-grandson. He found endless joy in watching them grow and rarely missed a sporting event or extra-curricular activity. When he wasn’t supporting his grandchildren, he could be found cheering on his Iowa Hawkeyes, especially the Iowa wrestling team or around his pride and joy pond, fishing with grandkids. His kindness extended beyond his family—Never hesitating to lend a helping hand or offer support to anyone in need. Whether it was a struggling neighbor, a friend seeking guidance, or a stranger needing assistance, he answered every call with selflessness and warmth.
He is survived by his children, Annette (Michael) Goodheart, Christine Weber, Mark (Sadie) Greiner, Carrie (Jeff) Garman, Heather (Matt) Kingsbury, Jacque (Terry) Eisenbarth, Matt (Angie) Greiner, Gina (Jared) Galpin, and Derek (Tiffany) Greiner, 25 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, siblings Marlene (Pat) Clerkin, Paul (Nadine) Greiner, and Veronica (Paul) Menke and in-laws Anne Greiner, Bob (Marcia) Baker, Dick (Barb) Baker, Tom (Donna) Baker, and Brenda (Bob) Vittetoe. Marlie is preceded in death by his loving wife Bonnie, parents Leonard and Mary Greiner and Stepmother Hazel Greiner as well as his brother Henry Greiner, sister Jeanette Vittetoe, and grandchildren Kolten Kingsbury and Easton Galpin.
Though Marlie has departed from this world, his spirit remains in the fields he tended, the hearts he touched, the family that loved him and the faith that guided him. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”- Matthew 25:23
Memorial mass will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Holy Trinity Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Charles Fladung presiding. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery – St. Mary’s Cemetery in Keota. A celebration of life gathering will be held at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Keota after the service.
A general memorial fund has been established. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Marlie and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
