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Marlyn J. Humphrey, 88, of Iowa Falls, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at his Iowa Falls residence. Memorial services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Iowa Falls Fire Department. He will be laid to rest with full firefighter honor guard at the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until service time on Saturday, June 18 at the fire department. Counsell Woodley Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iowa Falls is caring for Chief Marlyn Humphrey and his family. Marlyn Joe Humphrey was born May 21, 1934 the son of Clarence and Anna (Grupe) Humphrey, in rural Iowa Falls, IA. Marlyn attended Ellis #2 in rural Iowa Falls and graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1952. He and Dorothy Jergensen Smith were married in January 1981. Marlyn had always wanted to be a farmer (his favorite class was FFA), and he did farm for a few years south of Iowa Falls. However, he couldn’t get enough land, so the next best thing for him was to purchase his own milk route, supplying the local creamery. After recovering from a serious back injury incurred on his milk route, Marlyn managed service stations, and eventually leased his own DX Station and wrecker service. He transitioned into owning and operating a DX tankwagon. In the 1980s, Marlyn began selling fire equipment. He and Dorothy also owned and operated a business selling and servicing fire extinguishers. Marlyn joined the Iowa Falls volunteer fire department in 1968, recruited by Ernest Winters, for among other things, his ability to drive big trucks. He was appointed third assistant chief in 1974 by then Fire Chief Earl Bailey. Marlyn became fire chief in 1978, elected by the members of his department. He served 26 years as chief, the second longest serving fire chief for the department. He was proud of the new Iowa Falls Fire Department building and training center, something he had promised Earl Bailey he would do, and appreciative of a community that supported it. He also took pride in the well-trained department, one of the top in the state. After serving 41 years in the fire department, Marlyn retired in 2009. Marlyn discovered as a young boy that he had a talent for whistling. He enjoyed telling stories of whistling at country school, at Alden Days, on the radio, after dance parties and at many other events. He joined the Moose Lodge in 1960 and held many offices there over the years. Marlyn was a member of the First Christian Church and served as president of the church council. Marlyn enjoyed keeping in touch with his country school and high school classmates, whistling, singing, fishing, and socializing. Marlyn Humphrey is survived by his wife, Dorothy Humphrey; his children, Becky (Doug) Swinton, Mark (Karen) Humphrey, Joe (Sharlene) Humphrey, Steve Humphrey, Dawn Humphrey, Tom (Ann) Humphrey, Peg (Art) Bradley, Nancy (Kevin) Hoffman, and step-children, Debbie (Abe) Khashan, Rich (Carol) Smith, and Ron (Lori) Smith; one nephew, Jim (Alexa) Granzow and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy Granzow Gaulke; two brothers-in-law; a nephew and a step-son.

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Chief Marlyn J. Humphrey

May 21, 1934 - June 8, 2022