Marion Eleanor Staub

A brief obit can’t do justice to Marion Staub. I’ll try anyway.

Born during the Great Depression, Marion’s birth unknowingly created quite a stir: Her parents had to sell their only vehicle to pay the medical expenses associated with her birth. She went home from the hospital to her grandmother’s house where she lived with her parents, older brother, uncles and aunts and their families until she was a young girl and her parents could afford a home of their own. While resources were tight, Marion fondly recalled growing up in a loving family and laughed about a photo from one Christmas when her only gift was a pair of wool stockings that she proudly displayed with an ear-to-ear grin. That photo captured Marion’s joyful, grateful outlook on life.

After high school, Marion worked as a banker at Waukesha National Bank. She also bowled in singles and mixed doubles leagues where she eventually met the love of her life, Hank Staub. She wasn’t an easy catch. She declined multiple dates, using excuses of plans with friends. But Hank was persistent, and she eventually acquiesced. A fortuitous decision as they quickly fell in love, were engaged three months later, and married soon after—a loving marriage that lasted 51 years until Hank’s death.

Marion and Hank hoped to have a big family, but that was not to be. Their daughter, Catherine, is their only child. And Marion delighted in her daughter. Marion accomplished the nearly impossible feat of being deeply interested in all facets of Cathy’s life without ever trying to live vicariously through her. The family engaged in outdoor adventures—regularly hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and ice skating together throughout Cathy’s childhood. Hank and Marion continued these adventures, with Marion cross country skiing and biking well into her 80s. Marion also loved to read and fostered a love of books in her daughter.

A devoted, loving and caring wife, Marion—with assistance as needed from her late son-in-law—was able to care for Hank at home until the last weeks of his life.

Marion almost always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her gorgeous blue eyes. She was spunky, smart, and stoic. She never lost her math skills, accurately calculating compound interest on a scratch sheet just to make sure her financial statements were accurate. She hated taking medication, didn’t complain about ailments, and maintained a fierce independence almost to the end. She retained her sense of humor, endearing herself to her new son-in-law by routinely “throwing shade” at her daughter in the most loving way each week when the three dined together.

She was the best mom anyone could hope to have, and a loving wife, cherished grandmother, and caring sister.

Marion, 93, passed away February 14, 2026. She is survived by her adoring daughter, Catherine Whitt; son-in-law, Don Whitt; grandsons, Ryan Staub, Alex Staub, and Connor Whitt; granddaughter, Trisha (Michael) Kempton; great grandchildren; sibling, Paul Leisten; nieces and nephews; and treasured friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Waukesha.

The family requests that memorial gifts be designated for Catholic Relief Services or the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation.

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