Mariann Kaye Harmel

Mariann Kaye Harmel, 79, of Tipton, Iowa, peacefully passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown in Iowa City, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Inland Cemetery in Bennett. Following the committal service, family and friends are invited to the Tipton VFW for food and fellowship. Memorials may be made to the Tipton Ambulance Service in Mariann’s memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Mariann was born January 1, 1947, in Clinton, Iowa, to George and Irma Swenson. She attended school in Calamus before graduating from Bennett High School in 1966.

Mariann met her husband, Jerry Maurice Harmel, while in high school in Calamus. They were married on August 29, 1964, and together raised three children and shared nearly 50 years of marriage before Jerry’s passing on January 9, 2014.

Mariann held several administrative positions, including at Farm Service, the Cedar County Courthouse Environmental and Zoning Department, and Prairie Hills Assisted Living. She also worked alongside Jerry at Harmel Implement and Liberty Implement, handling the bookkeeping and helping wherever needed.

Mariann was a member of Peace Church of Christ United in Bennett. She loved watching her grandchildren play sports and following the Indiana Fever and the WNBA. She and Jerry enjoyed camping at Cedar Lakes and Cedar Valley. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, solitaire, and painting Christmas ornaments for her grandchildren.

Feisty, loving, and compassionate, Mariann would do anything for anyone. She was a bonus mom to many and could always be counted on when someone needed help. Above all, she treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mariann was the heart and soul of her family and will be greatly missed by so many.

Mariann is survived by her children, Troy (Debbie) Harmel of Walcott, Tonya (Lyle) Hermiston of Tipton, and Todd Harmel of Bennett; six grandchildren, Richlen Harmel, Laken (Kory) DeHaan, Connor Hermiston, Carter Hermiston, Kristina (Daniel) Judas, and Charlie (LeLani) Cooper; four great-grandchildren, Hudson, Lexington, Bronx, and Fox; her brother-in-law, Robert (Sandra) Harmel and her dear friend Deeda Rock.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, George and Irma Swenson; her sister, Marvel Roggendorf; and her in-laws, Edwin and Marjorie Harmel.

Mariann’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to the ICU staff at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Iowa City and the staff of Cedar Manor Nursing Home for the compassionate care they provided to Mariann.