Marolyn Arlene Polke

Marolyn Arlene Polke, passed away on September 5, 2026. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026 with a time of sharing at 2 p.m at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

She was born Marolyn Arlene Mitton on January 3, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Samuel Harold Mitton and Lou Ella Twilight Carpenter Mitton. Born and raised on the south side of Des Moines, Marolyn’s early years were shaped by family, faith, and a love of the outdoors.

As a child, she enjoyed playing hide-and-seek, fishing with her parents, and spending time with her grandparents and siblings. She also developed a lifelong love of animals.

Faith remained important to Marolyn throughout her life. She attended Open Bible Church as a child and later Grace Baptist Church until the COVID-19 pandemic. As her health declined and attending church in person became more difficult, she continued to nurture her faith at home, regularly watching the ministries of Jimmy Swaggart and Joel Osteen.

Marolyn was the mother of two children, Brenda Marie Lundgren and Brian Mark Lundgren, Sr. Through them, her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a cherished part of her life.

She and her husband, Russell “Russ” Polke, especially enjoyed camping together and the time they shared before his passing.

Marolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Carolyn Irene Minella, Beverly Mitton, John Lawrence Mitton Sr., Kathryn, Phyllis Mitton, John Richard LaSalle, and Mary Jean LaSalle her son, Brian Mark Lundgren, Sr.; and her husbands, René Lundgren, Jim Crawford, Herman Rosene, Victor Nelson, George Sordini, and Russell Polke.

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Sam Mitton; her daughter, Brenda Lundgren; her best friend and sister in spirit, Marie DeBrouse; her grandchildren, Victoria Henderson Weber (Jermain), Johan Lundgren (Ashley), and Alyson Edwards; her great-grandchildren, Kendra, Langston, and Zora; along with nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and all those who loved her.

Her family will remember Marolyn for the many things that brought her joy throughout her life: time with family, her faith, animals, fishing, camping, velvet art, Elvis, and the simple moments shared with the people she loved.

Her life will be remembered, her stories will be shared, and her memory will remain with those who loved her.