Marsha Woolums

Marsha Jo Woolums, 87 of Rochester, MN, died Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Samaritan Bethany Care Center.

Mrs. Woolums (Marsha Jo Van Klavern) was born November 13, 1938, the daughter of James Harold Van Klavern and Frances LaRue (Gorman) Van Klavern. She married Elijah James Woolums on November 30, 1958 in Ottumwa IA.

Mrs. Woolums graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1957. She gave birth in 1960, to the first of her three children. She and her husband resided in many places; Ottumwa IA, Iowa City IA, Robbinsdale, MN, Winona MN, Chippewa Falls WI, Stewartville MN, Canton OH and finally Rochester MN. She was a wonderful mother, and excellent cook who had her hands full raising her 3 children. She loved bowling, playing bridge and socializing with her friends. She worked several positions including a position working with troubled children and another as kitchen manager at nursing homes in Stewartville and Canton. She became a Chapter President of MAAD and served as a lifelong member after the loss of her daughter, Valerie.

She and her husband retired in 2005 to Rochester MN. She joined the Evangel United Methodist Church shortly after, and from then on, she could be found there often working and spending time with her many friends and loved ones. She also enjoyed spending her retirement with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids when she wasn't traveling.

Survivors include her two sons, Eric (Janice) Woolums of Grant, Florida and Greg (Wendy) Woolums of Winter Haven, Florida; eight grandchildren, Kyle, Brian (Suman), Nick, Ken (Alex), Nicky (Keaton), Dylan (Sarah) Kristin (Nick), and Tyler; five great-grandchildren, Elijah, Priya, Deacon, Saanvi and Mason.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, James and her daughter, Valerie.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 23, 2026 at Evangel United Methodist Church Rochester, 2645 N. Broadway Ave., Rochester, MN with Pastor David Werner officiating. Visitation hours for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held 1:00PM on January 26, 2026 at Prairie Center Cemetery, Packwood, IA.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Woolums family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com