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Portrait of Marissa Lynn Engelhardt
In loving memory

Marissa Lynn Engelhardt

September 10, 2004 – August 16, 2024
Lived 19 years
St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery · Decorah, Iowa
Life story

Born on September 10, 2004, Marissa is the daughter of Rob and Stacy Engelhardt. Marissa was born and raised in Decorah and was baptized and confirmed at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church.

Marissa attended school in Decorah from preschool through graduation as part of the 2022 graduating class. During her time in school, she was a part of Brenda’s School of Dance where she would dance with her childhood best friends, Lydia and Liza Hotvedt. She definitely got her dance moves from her mom! Growing up she enjoyed camping nearly every weekend all over NEIA. Some of these weekends included swimming at Gehling’s pond, riding the fourwheeler, and begging Nick (Gehling) for rides on his fishing boat. One of Marissa’s favorite childhood memories was their family’s annual camping trip to JellyStone Park in Warrens WI, to see Yogi Bear. While at JellyStone, Dad would throw endless amounts of money at the girls (Lexie and Marissa) to spend at the arcade for a few moments of peace, they always loved the prizes they came home with. Marissa found her love for clothes and fashion at a young age. She, Lexie, and the Bordwell cousins would play dress up, create fashion show videos, and make their aunt and uncle be their audience for the show. Marissa was a fun-loving child who was up for any adventure, especially if that meant keeping up with her big sister.

Marissa grew up being her mom’s right hand helper when it came to Stacy’s in-home daycare. Helping her mom with childcare led to her passion for caring for children. Lexie always said that Marissa would be her babysitter when she had children! She worked at Sunflower Child Development Center since her junior year in high school and continued to work there after graduation. Marissa loved her job, her coworkers, taking care of the children, and working alongside her mom. She was a part of the Duckling (baby) room, which was the age she was meant to care for because of her ability to calm the babies and the patience she had with them. Marissa had a very calming and caring presence about her that made her a great caretaker.

In Marissa’s free time she enjoyed going to country concerts with the Hotvedt family, including Cody Johnson & Cole Swindell. They were excited for their next concert, Zach Bryan. One of her favorite concerts was Luke Combs with her mom, sister, and the Hotvedt family. She loved spending her weekends in Harper’s Ferry on the river with her parents, friends, special friend, Terrence (Lundeen), and her second family - The Headingtons. This was her favorite pastime. Rob even trusted one of Marissa’s close friends, Luke (Meyer), to take the pontoon out by themselves! The river truly was her happy place, always putting a smile on her face. Marissa also loved to read in her free time. She could spend hours in her room indulging in a good book. In addition to these activities Marissa loved spending time with Paisley, her family dog. She would also spend time babysitting Lexie and Cody’s crazy yorkie, who she referred to as “Tucky”.

Although Marissa’s time was cut short here on earth, she left a long lasting impact on all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed. We appreciate all the love and support from those around us. Thank you to the countless number of individuals not listed that have impacted both Marissa’s and our lives.

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Lifetime

The world Marissa knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

2004
Born September 10
2004
Sister- Lexie Bakken
2004
Mother- Stacy Engelhardt
2004
Father- Rob Engelhardt
2005
Marissa was 1 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2006
Marissa was 2 when the Nintendo Wii went on sale in America
2010
Marissa was 6 when Apple's iPad went on sale
2014
Marissa was 10 when the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral
2021
Assistant Teacher Sunflower Child Development + Discovery Center
2022
Graduating class of 2022 Decorah High school
2022
Marissa was 18 when Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years on the throne
2024
Passed away August 16, age 19
Tributes and memories

6 memories shared

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Luke Meyer 6w

Happy 22nd birthday Marissa

Love and miss your forever ❤️🪽

Photo shared by Luke Meyer Photo shared by Luke Meyer Photo shared by Luke Meyer Photo shared by Luke Meyer
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dahlyn headington 6w

Happy Heavenly 22nd Birthday🤍🪽🎂❤️

Love & miss you always!

Photo shared by dahlyn headington Photo shared by dahlyn headington Photo shared by dahlyn headington Photo shared by dahlyn headington Photo shared by dahlyn headington Photo shared by dahlyn headington
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Stacy Engelhardt 6w

Happy 22nd Birthday Marissa!

Wishing you a Happy Heavenly Birthday! Love you Forever and Always!

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Lexie Bakken 6w

Happy Birthday Marissa 💓

Happy 22nd birthday to my baby sister. Forever 19 💓

Photo shared by Lexie Bakken
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Lexie Bakken 19w

Grady meets marissa

Marissa would’ve been the BEST auntie

Photo shared by Lexie Bakken
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Stacy Engelhardt 51w

My Angel

My forever baby girl and best friend! I love all the times we spent together as you were growing up and my favorite will be the last time we were on the river together as that was the last time before you passed away!

Photo shared by Stacy Engelhardt
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Decorah, Iowa
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