Obituaries : Marilyn Kay Helland Gill

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marilyn Kay Helland Gill on November 5, 2025. Born on December 18, 1941, in La Porte City, Iowa, Marilyn brought warmth, compassion, and resilience to everyone whose lives she touched.

Marilyn spent many years working in the Investment and Real Estate industries and was also a devoted and loving mother to her three children - Christopher James Gill, Ann Marie Gill Shogren, and Matt William Gill - who were the greatest sources of pride and joy in her life.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Zachary Gill, Tanner Gill, and Daniel Shogren, as well as her great-granddaughter, Logan Gill. She will be forever loved and remembered by them all.

Marilyn called Iowa home throughout most of her life, living in La Porte City, Ames, Marshalltown, Nashua, Fredericksburg, Dubuque, Waterloo, Marion, Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids. Her final years were spent in Des Moines, where she cherished the fellowship of many dear friends at Edencrest Assisted Living and the devoted, loving care provided by one of her favorite nieces, Sue Hetherington and Sue's husband, Pete Hetherington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Herman Helland, and by her siblings: Jerry Helland, Chester "Chet" Helland, Nadine Helland Strait, and Carol Helland Timson.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date for her close family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Suncrest Hospice in gratitude for their amazing care and support of Marilyn during her final months. Suncrest Hospice, 5959 Village View Drive Ste #100, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266