Marilyn Dawn Brown Kurtz

We, the three daughters of Marilyn Dawn Brown Kurtz, wish to honor her by having her name engraved in the Plaza of Heroines because she has always been a heroine to us. Marilyn has always been there for us and given us unconditional, nonjudgmental love. She has also provided us with a role model for a strong, intelligent, and independent woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Marilyn is a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, professional woman, counselor, photographer and good friend. She enjoys her life and fills her days with books movies travels photography walks swims husband family and friends. She enjoys her life and is always learning and growing. We love her and admire her and honor her. We believe her name deserves to be inscribed in the Plaza of Heroines.

Marilyn Dawn Brown Kurtz was born on January 6, 1932 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Carlyle and Helen Brown. She grew up in Maquoketa and attended and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College. In 1951, she married William Zickefoose. In 1954 she gave birth to Lori Ann. Soon thereafter, the family moved to Auburn California. Terry Lynn and Kelly Lee were born in 1957 and 1959, respectively. In l966, they moved to Sacramento, California. Marilyn spent busy years raising her young family. She also volunteered for the Ladies Aid to Retarded Children and for the children's school activities.

In 1978, Marilyn and Bill were divorced and Marilyn returned to school to pursue her Master's Degree in Counseling. She was awarded her degree and worked for Project Move, counseling displaced women for a time. In 1981, Marilyn was hired by Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa as the Assistant Director of Career Services. In 1983, she was promoted to Director of Career Services. Marilyn was admired and liked by her colleagues and the students and enjoyed her career as a counselor. She was known for her dedication to the students and for giving great parties!

In 1984, Marilyn married Ronald J. Kurtz a professor of anthropology at Grinnell College. Marilyn and Ron spent many happy years in Grinnell. In addition, they spent a sabbatical year in Switzerland, a year with the "Grinnell in London" program and several months teaching in China. Marilyn and Ron are now retired and living in Sacramento, California.

Submitted on 11/22/96