ROCKFORD – Marilyn M. Dykstra, 86, of Rockford, was received into Christ’s arms on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012.

She was born June 2, 1926, in Anita, Iowa, to Stella Mae and Charles Wesley Garlock. She attended school in Anita, where her father was superintendent of schools, and in Spring Hill, Iowa, where she graduated from high school.

Marilyn received a primary teaching degree from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and there met the love of her life, Robert Dale Dykstra. Bob and Marilyn married June 1, 1947. Marilyn taught school for 2 years in Greenfield, Iowa, 1 year at Longfellow School in Sheboygan, Wis., and 2 years at Wight School in Rockford. She loved to teach young children, serving as a substitute teacher for 25 years in the Harlem School District.