Marian Lucille Shepard was born on December 12, 1912, the daughter of George Earl and Daisy Ellen Rolfe Shepard. 

Marian lived her life in Grundy County, the majority in Conrad, where she raised her family and was well-known and loved for giving generously of her musical talent. In high school, Marian accompanied boys' and girls' glee clubs, various programs, operettas, and played in the orchestra. When her church purchased an electric Hammond organ, she learned to play and prayed, "Oh God, please be with me and help me do my best." Marian was the organist at the Conrad Presbyterian Church for many years. Her favorite musical selection was "The Lord's Prayer" by Albert Malotte. She was also a past Grand Organist for the Order of the Eastern Star for the state of Iowa.

Marian married Julius Albert "Al" Walling on February 17, 1934. They raised 2 sons, John Albert "Jack" and Ronald E. "Ron." 

In the 1950s, a close friend encouraged her to teach her daughter piano lessons. That led to Marian giving lessons over a period of 30 years, teaching 366 pupils. Also, from 1953 to 1957, Marian was the accompanist for Jo Ann's School of Dance in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Marian wrote in 2001: "I thank God....for my parents....a mother who never said or did an unkind deed to anyone....my father, an earnest, hard-working man, a carpenter and contractor who built many houses and farm buildings in the surrounding area. They gave me the opportunity to enjoy a God-given gift which they noticed when I was very young. I will never forget the day a piano was delivered to our house. I asked my mother, 'Why did you do that?' Her answer was, 'Your papa and I hope that someday you may become a musician.' So I began piano lessons at the age of 6."

After her husband Al died, Marian quit teaching and kept busy in her church and other organizations. She volunteered with musical programs at nursing homes and senior citizen centers. After five years, she met Douglas Webber Seeman at a senior center. They later married. 

Marian passed away quietly on September 20, 2007, at Grundy Center Memorial Hospital at the age of 94. She is survived by a son, Ronald E. Walling, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and a son, John Albert Walling. Arrangements were by Johnson Funeral Home in Conrad.

Information from the Marshalltown Times-Republican and from personal knowledge. Submitted by Angela, Member #48520699.