Marilyn D Munch

Marilyn Darlene (Sorensen) Munch, daughter of Carl and Erna (Jacobsen) Sorensen, was born on August 29, 1938, at her home in Hamlin, Iowa, and died at the Exira Care Center at the age of 87 years, 6 months, and 22 days.

Marilyn was baptized and confirmed at the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin, Iowa. She attended Hamlin #2 Country School, then joined the Audubon High School - Class of 1956. She worked at the Hamlin Grocery Store along with her parents. On July 29, 1956, Marilyn was united in marriage to Darrell Munch at the Hamlin Lutheran Church. Four sons, Terry, Jeff, Mitch, and Darrin, were born to this union.

In 1959, they purchased an older farmstead near Exira, Iowa. Here, Marilyn held birthday parties and family gatherings, gave perms and haircuts, and all the neighbors and kids gathered frequently at Mother Munch’s. There was always a pot of coffee on. Marilyn sold Stanley Cleaning Products for many years – meeting new faces, hosting parties, taking her sons on trips, and believing in her cleaning products, as she was known for her cleanliness.

In 1980, they purchased the business, “Cookies Tavern” in Hamlin, Iowa, and began “Darrell’s Place,” famous for their tenderloins. As this business grew, they purchased land across the street and built a new building for the thriving restaurant. This was Marilyn’s heaven – more people. They also won the original Iowa Pork Producers #1 Tenderloin Contest.

In 1986, Darrell and Marilyn moved to town. Her home became a grand central station for her family, friends, kids’ friends, and grandkids’ friends. Everyone was loved and welcome. She loved coming home to a house full of love and chaos. In 2017, they moved to the Exira Care Center Assisted Living after Darrell’s cancer diagnosis. In her retirement years, Marilyn loved putting together puzzles, playing cards, and having visitors. Marilyn will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, her love of hosting, and her admiration of and desire to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Darrell Munch; son, Terry Munch; and granddaughter, Randi Jo Munch; siblings, Robert (Betty) Sorensen, Richard Sorensen, Marjorie (Herbert) Christensen, and Donna Sheley.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Jeff and wife Diana Munch, Mitch Munch, and Darrin and wife Jill Munch, all of Exira, Iowa; Her Grandchildren Brandi Munch of Des Moines, Iowa, Britni and husband Jesse Olson of Audubon, Iowa, and Megan and husband T.J. Wiemann of Exira, Iowa, Dustin and wife Becca Munch of Englewood, Colorado, and Garret Munch of West Des Moines, Iowa; and a sister-in-law Carol Sorensen of Independence, Missouri.

Public visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Exira, IA.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, IA, with interment to follow at the Exira Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Exira Lutheran Church following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Marilyn Munch Family, to be designated at a later date in her memory. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira.