Francis Marnin

Francis Owen Marnin was born January 28, 1941, to Michael Matthew and Lelia Maude (Plowman) Marnin on a farm south of Anita and passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at his home in Anita.

He was raised in Anita and attended the Anita Community Schools. Francis started working construction on Interstate 80 at the age of 16.

He served in the United States Marine Corp for 4 ½ years earning the Good Conduct Medal and the Rifle Expert Badge. In October of 1964 Francis married Linda Lou Legg. Out of this union, they shared three children, LeeAnn, Michael and John.

In March of 1976, he married Twila Charlene Christensen of Anita. They shared 26 wonderful years of marriage together. During the first ten years, they moved numerous times with Francis' jobs and were fortunate to make wonderful friends and beautiful memories. He was employed throughout the Midwest and settled in the San Francisco area. He worked as an Operating Engineer for 36 years, a job he dearly loved. He was well known and respected for his expertise in operating an extremely large crane known as a "Sky Horse."

Since 2003, Francis shared his life with Cathie Alff. They had a wonderful relationship - full of friends and family, especially enjoying the time spent with Kylie Jo.

Francis was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anita, the Elks Club in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Atlantic for 40 years, and the Moose Lodge in California. He was also a member of the Anita Cemetery Board and the Harley Davidson Owners Group.


Francis enjoyed being outdoors, making his yard beautiful, riding his Harley Davidson, or polishing his Harley and his pickup. His biggest joy was spending time with his friends and family, including his brothers and sisters, and especially his grandchildren.

Francis is survived by his dearly loved companion and best friend, Cathie Alff of Anita; his daughter, LeeAnn (Scott) Ullsperger of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his sons, Mike Marnin of Anita and John (Kim) Marnin of San Diego, CA; seven grandchildren, Nina, Clayton, Mason, Brittany, Maddison, Julie and Kylie Jo; his step-daughter, Valerie (Dan) Riley of Indiana; three sisters, Dorothy Tibben of Atlantic, Phyllis Tomlinson of Adel, and Jackie Eimers of Anita; five brothers, Don (Sharon) Marnin of Trenton, MO, Tom Marnin of Anita, Joe (Judy) Marnin of Anita, Phil (Barb) Marnin of Anita and Chuck (Debbie) Marnin of Anita; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Lelia Marnin; brother, Clair Marnin; nephew, Jay Marnin; mother of his children, Linda Legg; his wife, Twila Marnin; and his sisters-in-law, Esther and Margaret Marnin.

The family requests memorials to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anita, the Anita American Legion or the Volunteer Fire Department of Anita.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 4, 2014, at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Anita.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anita.

Interment of ashes will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Anita, Iowa.

Francis lived his life to the fullest. The celebration of his life will continue at the American Legion Hall. Please join us for lunch and share a fond memory of time spent with Francis.