In Memory of Marlene M. Zirbel-Davis



Marlene M. Zirbel-Davis
Marlene M. Zirbel-Davis
Born: March 27, 1942
Died: February 2, 2026
Age: 83
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Marlene M. Zirbel-Davis
March 27, 1942 - February 2, 2026
From: Arthur, IA

Marlene Marie Zirbel-Davis, age 83 of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at her residence of Arthur, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com  

Marlene Marie Zirbel-Davis, the daughter of Lyle H. and Ruby J. (Lawrence) Mobley, was born on March 27, 1942, in Marshalltown, Iowa. She grew up in Green Mountain, Iowa and received her education from the Green Mountain CSD. 

In July of 1961, Marlene married Donald Zirbel. To this union four children were born—Kendra, Heidi, Myrna, and Matthew. Marlene raised her children in Sioux City, Iowa. She continued her education at WITCC before beginning her career as a unit secretary at Marian Health Center. Marlene devoted 25 years to Marian Health Center before retiring, forming many lasting friendships along the way. She concluded her working career at a women’s shelter in Sioux City, a role she found especially rewarding. On August 26, 2021, she married Gilbert “GL” Davis and they made their home in rural Arthur, Iowa.   

During her retirement, Marlene treasured country living, where she spent time caring for her flowers and garden. She also enjoyed reading, thrifting, and baking Christmas candies. Above all, Marlene cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren. A loving and compassionate woman, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Left to cherish her memory include her husband Gilbert “GL” Davis of Arthur, IA; her children Kendra Olson of Sioux City, IA, Heidi Krapfl of Arthur, IA, Myrna (Chuck) Hoefling of Sioux City, IA and Matthew Zirbel of Sioux City, IA; stepchildren Faith (Dan) Brotherson of Odebolt, IA, Gwyanda Harker of Grant City, MO, Ned Snyder (special friend Scott) of Browning, MO, Susie (Max) Haidsiak of Red Oak, IA, Gailen (Melinda) Davis of St. John, KS, and Wayne (Sondra) Davis of St. John, KS; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; 20 step grandchildren and several step great-grandchildren; brother Brett Mobley of North Dakota; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Ruby Mobley; brothers Gilbert and Gordon Mobley; and former in-laws Alfred and Ruth Zirbel.

SERVICES

Celebration of Life
At A Later Date


Condolences


Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 9:18 AM
“I was saddened to hear that Cousin Marlene had passed. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to her family and friends.”
- Chick Nelson
Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:33 PM
“So very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working c Marlene over the years @ MMC. Be at Peace”
- Mary Middleton
Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9:08 AM
“Sending our condolences in the loss of your mother and wife. She just wasn’t that old and like mom but, don’t get to pick. I would like to come up for celebration of life but have to see. I got t-boned Sat. Night they ran a red light and mine was green. I got a bump on head and my friend broke collar bone and dislocated bone and was in pain and had to cut us both so glad in a 94 Buick Park Ave. Heavy. It shook me up but glad I didn’t run it. Going to make some more calls and prayers to you all.????”
- Barbara Gauley and Dennis Gauley
Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9:08 AM
“So many wonderful and fun memories of Marlene. She really taught me alot, especially the summer I spent in Rock Rapids with you all. My sincerest sympathy to you all for your loss. ”
- Doreen Hanson
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9:16 AM
“Very sad to hear about your mom's passing. She was always kind to me and she gave us so many rides! I still remember the cool bell bottom jeans she made. My heart goes out to all of you.”
- Julie Schulte
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9:16 AM
“I worked with Marlene at Marian Hospital. She was a bright, well organized person who kept our floor running efficiently. I will truly miss. Rest in Peace .Arlene in heaven safely in the Lord's arms.”
- Ann Marie McTaggart
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9:16 AM
“I also worked with Marlene over the years at Marian Health Center as it was known back then. She was always a pleasant and helpful co- worker. RIP Marlene”
- Carol Cardona
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:48 AM
“I worked with Marlene at the hospital for many years. She was always a thorough, smart, hardworking and loyal employee and friend. I wish her family peace and strength. ”
- Barb Renfro
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 9:15 AM
“My Sympathy to Marlenes family. I worked many years with her at the hospital. She was always a pleasure. ”
- Kathy Hart
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 1:14 PM
“I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Marlene’s passing. I remember many happy moments at my grandparents farm especially when canning season started. It’s hard to lose someone you love, my thought and condolences are with your family.”
- Becky (Zirbel) Kindschuh
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 11:54 AM
“Sending prayers & thoughts to Marlene's family & especially her children as they lived just down the street when her kids & my daughter were growing up on So Glass in Morningside in Sioux City. ”
- Carol Deeds
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 9:19 AM
“We are so sorry about Marlene. We will miss seeing her and GL out on a drive and stopping by to see what's new. Our thoughts are with her family.”
- Whitney Simonson
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