Marilyn "Frankie" Margaret Kirkwood

Marilyn Margaret Kirkwood, known to her many friends as “Frankie”, was born in Sioux City, Iowa on February 7, 1931. She was raised by Hanna “Nora” and George Gilman and graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1948. Frankie enjoyed her high school years as a cheerleader and member of a group of friends affectionately known as the “Neglected Nine.” In April 1952 she traveled to Dow AFB in Bangor, ME, where she married the love of her life, Jack Kirkwood. The couple honeymooned at Bar Harbor and the surrounding Acadia National Park. Maine was in her heart from that point on. After Jack completed his military service, the couple returned to Sioux City and started a family. The next 66 years took them to cities across the Midwest including Sioux City, Iowa City, Denver, Kansas City, Springfield (IL), Chicago, Omaha (twice), Des Moines (twice), Fargo and Valley. Motherhood was a labor of love for Frankie, raising five children and still finding time to be involved in church and community activities. She volunteered for schools, Girl and Boy scout troops, Alter Society, Family Ministry and enjoyed a group of close friends in her “Birthday Club.” As a member of St. Robert’s parish in Omaha she was active in the early days of Essential Pregnancy Services. Frankie was honored by the University of Nebraska Omaha for her service to the community as a “Woman of Wisdom” in 2010. She was named one of the “25 Outstanding Women of the Year” in 1994 by the Urban Council of Catholic Women. As the nest emptied and Jack retired, Frankie was able to have a career outside of the home. Continuing volunteer activities, she enrolled in the College of St. Mary and took on the job of Assistant Volunteer Coordinator at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha. While caring for her aging mother and mother-in-law, Frankie later began working as the Activities Director at Valhaven nursing home in Valley. Frankie was an avid reader and lover of books. Her life-long dream of working in a library became reality in 2002. Later that year, she was named Head Librarian at the Valley Public Library. During her tenure, she modernized the library operations and services, resulting in increased patronage and re-engaged the “Friends of the Library.” She was integral in acquiring the Bank of Valley main branch building in downtown Valley and coordinated the move to that location where the Valley Library operates to this day. Frankie enjoyed her friends, volunteering and the various communities where she lived, especially Ginger Cove. Jack and Frankie always wanted to live on a lake and in 1978 that dream came alive. She loved the close community at Ginger Cove making many friends, especially the “Wine Girls” who support and look out for each other each and every day. Jack and Frankie were also active members of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Valley. Frankie was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; Parents Nora and George Gilman; Half-siblings Stan Gilman, Eileen (Gilman) Royce and Ralph Gilman; Brother- and Sister-in-law Don and Nancy Kirkwood. She is survived by her five Children: Lynn (Randy) Pettit of Clive, IA; Betsy (Kim) Elder of Paxton, NE; John (Lisa) Kirkwood of Eagan, MN; Mike (Lisa) Kirkwood of Big Horn, WY; Dave (Candi) Kirkwood of Omaha; and Cheryl Hamilton of Hudson, WI. Twelve Grandchildren: Ryan (Kelly) Pettit of Johnston, IA; Abbey (Chad) Gilroy of Johnston, IA; Andy (Amanda) Elder of Neligh, NE; Tyler Pettit of Des Moines, IA; Colby (Jenna) Pettit of Adel, IA; Matt (Motika) Elder of Hershey, NE; Katie (Devin) Mueller of Lincoln, NE; Kelsey (Hannah) Westwood of South St. Paul, MN; Jessie (Aaron) Boettger of Hudson, WI; Michaela (Nathan) Westlund of River Falls, WI; Sydney Kirkwood of Milwaukee, WI; and Jack Kirkwood of Omaha, NE. Great Grandchildren Taylor and Mason Pettit; Harrison and Nolan Gilroy; Hannah and Ali Elder; Mackenzie, Ava Kate and Kaci Pettit; Beckett, Blakely and Baylor Elder; Lyla and Carson Boettger. Nieces Kyra, Kirstan, Molly, Melissa. Nephews Cris, Curt, Stan, Rick and Bill. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, December 30 at 10:30 AM, St. John’s Catholic Church in Valley. Interment will be held at 2:30 in the afternoon at Omaha National Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 29 from 5-7 PM with a Wake service at 7 PM at St. John’s. Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Omaha.

Marilyn "Frankie" Margaret Kirkwood

February 7, 1931 - December 19, 2025