Marilyn Blanchard

Marilyn Lucille Blanchard, 77, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away April 22, 2016, at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

The daughter of James and Thelma (Grinstead) Leslie, Marilyn was born May 20, 1938, in Edna Township near Cumberland, Iowa. She attended rural school near Cumberland and then attended Cumberland High School graduating with the Class of 1956.

On May 19, 1956, the day before her 18th birthday and with her parents' permission, she was united in marriage to Eugene Popp in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Three children: David, Diane and Gary were born to this union. Marilyn was a homemaker taking care and raising their children when Eugene passed away May 25, 1965. She was then employed at the Elbow Room Bar. On November 28, 1976, she was united in marriage to Michael Blanchard at the Little Brown Church in The Vale in Nashua, Iowa. One son: Zachary was born to this union. She continued working at the Elbow Room until she purchased the business in 1978, and has owned and operated it ever since. She was always delighted to spend time with her patrons at the bar where everyone just knew her as Mom. On her off hours, she enjoyed trips to the casino with Mike and doing word searches.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Mike of Atlantic, Iowa; children, David Popp and Diane Borkowski both of Atlantic, Zachary Blanchard and fiancee, Christine Novotny of Westminster, Colorado; step-daughter, Frannie & Dan Nissen of Elk Horn, Iowa; her grandchildren, James Darrow and significant other Kara Conn of Atlantic, Gary Popp and significant other Cenyce Montanye of Ida Grove, Iowa, Nicole Popp and significant other Matt Bruns of Atlantic, Krystina Popp and significant other Ashton Elings of Brayton, Iowa; 11 great grandchildren; her special dog, Rudy; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Brian & Marilyn Blanchard of Offeo, Minnesota; Joanne & Verne Schnackel of Clancy, Montana, Eldon "Butch" Popp of Walnut, Iowa, Dallas & Barb Popp of Avoca, Iowa, Marlene Pangburn of Atlantic, Iowa and Sue Leslie of Des Moines, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends, friends, friends!

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene; her son Gary Popp; her son-in-law, David "Ski" Borkowski; her parents; her brothers, Merle Leslie and Vernon Leslie; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ronald Popp, Virgil Popp, Duane Popp, Darold & Janet Popp, Carol & Art Malloy, Max Pangburn, Sandy Popp, and Earl Lippold.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2:00 p.m., at Roland Funeral Home with Pastor Guy Fisher of First Assembly of God officiating. Immediately following the service at the funeral home, the family invites everyone to join them for lunch and fellowship at the Elbow Room. As per her wishes, cremation will take place following the funeral service.

Family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service. In addition, open visitation will be held Tuesday, April 26, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rolands'.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Marilyn's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

In Remembrance of
Marilyn Blanchard
Born
May 20, 1938
Edna Township near Cumberland, Iowa

Entered Into Rest
Friday, April 22, 2016
Omaha, Nebraska

At the Age of
77 years, 11 months and 2 days

Funeral Service
Two o’clock p.m., April 27, 2016
Roland Funeral Home ~ Atlantic, Iowa

Officiating
Pastor Guy Fisher
1st Assembly
Atlantic, Iowa

Musical Selections
“Heaven is Needing a Hero” recorded by Jo Dee Messina
“Sissy’s Song” recorded by Alan Jackson
“Amazing Grace” by David Blanchard

Honorary Casket Bearers
Haley Hensel
Dazia Sorensen
Xavier Darrow
Aunika Darrow
Quinten Popp
Kordell Popp
Garrison Popp
Kirra Popp
Rylan Glissman
Slade Sandbothe
Lane Elings

The family invites friends and relatives to join them for
food and fellowship at the Elbow Room following the service.

Roland Funeral Service Atlantic, Iowa