| Honored by: | Laura and Chad Mitchell |
| Brick location: | B:10 map |
An inspiration to her family, friends, students and co-workers, Marilyn L. Gift is a remarkable person and teacher who brings out the best in everyone she knows. Whether it's contributing her talents to church projects, helping out a neighbor or counseling a student, she is always willing to take time out of her busy schedule to help where she is needed. Always optimistic, she is a positive force in many people's lives and all who know Marilyn have the highest respect for her. She was born to Harold and Esther Andersen and grew up on a farm in Grundy County near Cedar Falls in the Danish community of Fredsville, Iowa.
Her early education was spent in a one-room school house. In 8th grade she went to school in Dike, where she graduated in 1957. Marilyn attended Grand View College and received an Associates degree in 1959. After that, she attended Iowa State University and received a BS degree in Home Economics Education in 1961. Following graduation, she taught Hotel and Restaurant management at Des Moines Technical High School and was employed there from 1961 to 1966.
In 1963 Marilyn married William E. Gift. They have four children - Laura born in 1966; David 1969; Alan 1973; and Gary 1975. Marilyn was a full-time homemaker from 1966 to 1983. She returned to Tech High School (now known as Central Campus) in 1983 to continue teaching. Marilyn teaches students food technology and management. Marilyn is an excellent role model for the students - teaching them respect for themselves and others in addition to giving them skills to help them become productive members of society.
5/14/94