Marilyn Kay Kline-Johnson

Marilyn was born on July 7, 1950, in Ames, IA to Edwin Kline and Marjorie (Lindgren) Kline. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State University.

Marilyn began her career in 1973 at Orchard Place in Des Moines as a treatment counselor and also held supervisory roles within the organization. Marilyn became the Director of Human Resources in July 1995 and, after being dedicated to Orchard Place for 47 years, retired in July of 2020. She was a member of the National Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) and Central Iowa Chapter of SHRM, and volunteered for many committees and leadership positions within SHRM.

In May of 1979, she married Richard “Rick” Johnson in Ames, IA, and together they raised their children, Rachel and Nicholas in West Des Moines. Her hobbies included flower gardening, reading mystery novels, cooking for her family and friends, water aerobics, puzzles, and bird watching. She looked forward to annual trips to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado where she and her family were avid hikers. She is a member of West Des Moines United Methodist Church and had been a member of the bell choir.

Surviving Marilyn is her husband, Rick, daughter Rachel Vanderpool (Russell) of Indianola, IA, son Nicholas of Chandler, AZ; grandchildren Royce, RJ, and Isabel; brothers David Kline (Sharon) and Ronald Kline (Joanne), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, Marilyn’s family has decided to limit attendance to family only at her memorial service. However, you may view her service via livestream on Monday, January 24, at 1 pm. Please visit www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com to leave condolences for her family and view the livestream.

Memorials for Marilyn Kline-Johnson can be made to Orchard Place or the Food Bank of Iowa.