Marlin E. Neisemier: A Life Woven into the Heart of Creston

There are some people, you know, whose lives just seem to knit seamlessly into the very fabric of a place, becoming as much a part of its landscape as the rolling hills or the old main street. Marlin E. Neisemier, for certain, was one of those people here in Creston. It's with a heavy heart, honestly, that we share news of his passing on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 80. A true Creston son, through and through, Marlin left us peacefully at home, surrounded by the love that he himself had so generously sown throughout his remarkable life.

Born right here in Creston back on July 15, 1945, to John and Mary (Johnson) Neisemier, Marlin's roots ran deep. You could say he was destined for a life of honest work and quiet contribution. He attended Creston schools, of course, graduating with the class of 1963 — a time, one imagines, when the world felt both vast and wonderfully intimate, especially in a town like ours. He served his country with distinction, too, joining the United States Army. That commitment, that sense of duty, it truly stayed with him, defining much of what he did in the years that followed.

After his military service, Marlin returned to the land he loved. And what a life he built! For decades, he was a fixture in the local farming community, his hands intimately familiar with the soil, the seasons, and the rhythm of rural life. But farming wasn't just a job for Marlin; it was a vocation, a way of life, something that connected him deeply to the very earth beneath his feet. He had this incredible patience, you see, a farmer's patience, whether he was tending to his crops or, as it often seemed, nurturing the people around him.

Yet, it wasn't only the fields that flourished under his care. On June 22, 1968, Marlin married his beloved Sarah Thompson right here in Creston. Theirs was a love story, a genuine partnership that spanned well over five decades, built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and, well, a whole lot of shared laughter and quiet understanding. Together, they raised three wonderful children — David, Lisa, and Michael — instilling in them the very same values of integrity, hard work, and kindness that guided their own lives. Marlin was, in truth, a devoted father, and later, an absolutely doting grandfather to his five grandchildren. They were, without doubt, the light of his later years.

Beyond his family and his farm, Marlin was a man deeply invested in his community. He was an active member of the First Christian Church, offering his time and wisdom wherever it was needed. He volunteered, quietly, steadily, with the Lions Club, always there to lend a hand, to make things just a little bit better for his neighbors. You’d often find him, honestly, at the local coffee shop, sharing stories and a few good-natured jokes with friends, just being present, being Marlin.

And his interests? Oh, they were varied! When he wasn’t on the tractor, Marlin found immense joy in the simpler things. Fishing trips with his sons, puttering around his garden (he had an amazing green thumb, really), or the intricate work of woodworking in his garage — these were the moments where he truly relaxed, where his gentle spirit shone brightest. He built things, you know, not just furniture, but memories, connections.

Marlin is survived by his loving wife, Sarah; his children, David (Emily) Neisemier of Des Moines, Lisa (Mark) Johnson of Omaha, and Michael (Jennifer) Neisemier of Kansas City. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jacob, Hannah, Noah, Sophia, and Ethan. And let's not forget his dear sister, Brenda (Robert) Davis of Creston, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who considered him family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary, which, as you can imagine, he felt deeply.

A celebration of Marlin’s life, a chance for us all to say our goodbyes and share a memory or two, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Creston. Pastor Jane Smith will officiate, and a private family burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Creston Public Library or the First Christian Church, both organizations that were, quite simply, very dear to Marlin's heart. It's a fitting way, truly, to honor a man who gave so much of himself.

He was, in the grand scheme of things, a good man. A kind man. And while he may be gone from our sight, his quiet strength, his unwavering spirit, and the indelible mark he left on Creston will, without a doubt, continue to resonate for years to come. That’s just the truth of it, really.