Marilyn B. Lara, 78, of South Sioux City, NE was delivered into the loving arms of our Lord December, 2023 after a brief illness. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, South Sioux City, NE on Friday, December 15 at 10:30 am, visitation will begin at the church at 9:30 am until the service. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa. Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City is handling the arrangements.

Marilyn was born on December 3, 1945 to Henry “Shorty” and Margeane (Swanson) Hofeldt in Sioux City, Iowa.  Always hardworking, she provided financially for her family’s well-being and her children’s parochial school educations. She retired in 2004 after 25 years at Aramark as a seamstress. She had also worked at Zenith; Aalf’s Manufacturing; and Levi Strauss in Amarillo, Texas. As a young lady, Marilyn could not wait to start a family and be a mother. Marilyn and former spouse Lawrence A. Lara had three daughters they loved and raised together, Janice (Victor) Lund, Tracy (Matthew Hilton), and Marilyn (Danny Johnson). This union celebrated 5 beloved grandchildren, Michelle (Brent) Herron; Trevor Sims; Vincent (Renee) Lund; Megan and Molly Lund and 5 gorgeous great-grandchildren, Jaselinn Rush, Trey Sims, Mila and Ava Herron; and Nolan Lund. In her early days Marilyn enjoyed riding horses, dancing, bowling, softball, and volleyball. Later she gained enjoyment from activities including golf, traveling, fishing, aqua aerobics, bargain shopping, bingo, and playing board games. She was also a sports fan and loved following her children, grandchildren, and eldest great-granddaughter in sports. With her partner (Jerry Balke) she cheered for New York Yankees, University of Nebraska and Michigan State athletics, and enjoyed watching PGA golf. Marilyn and (Jerry) also enjoyed taking casino bus trips, spoiling their dog Rosie, and attending concerts and dinners at the Hard Rock. Marilyn lovingly welcomed Jerry’s adult children Brenda (Balke Gawlikowski) and Brian into her heart and home.

Marilyn had a creative side and made Christmas crafts and decorated cakes. Her creativity extended into making family celebrations special. She put great effort into throwing fun birthday parties for her children and she spared no effort in preparing family holiday meals. She loved spending time with her daughters and grand-and great grand children. Marilyn was always happy and full of laughter at family gatherings and parties.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; sister Janice, brother Henry “Hank” Hofeldt, son-in-law Victor Lund; and great-grandchild Gerald Lee Sims.

She is survived by her children: Janice (Victor) Lund, Tracy (Matthew Hilton), and Marilyn (Danny Johnson); grandchildren: grandchildren, Michelle (Brent) Herron; Trevor Sims; Vincent (Renee) Lund; Megan and Molly Lund and 5 great-grandchildren: Jaselinn Rush, Trey Sims, Mila and Ava Herron; and Nolan Lund;  brother Robert Hofeldt; sister-in-law Marguerite (Henry) Hofeldt, former sister-in-laws Martha “Tony” (Gary) Cain; Anita (Danny) Harrington, Roxanne (Jack) Allen, many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Marilyn will be remembered as a hard worker and for how generously she loved and cared for others, especially in their time of need. She will be celebrated for her enjoyment from activities with family and friends. And she will be greatly missed for her listening ear, beautiful smile, and fun-loving spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts/donations may be made to the family.