Brenda Walkup

Brenda Walkup, age 74, of Marshalltown, passed away on Sunday, July 16 at the Iowa River Hospice Home.

She was a devoted grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Per her wishes, no formal services will be held. A private family service will be held in Riverside Cemetery at a future date. Memorials in her honor may be directed to the Iowa River Hospice.

Brenda was born on April 16th, 1949, to Harold and Arlene (Handorf) Bohnsack of Marshalltown. She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1967. Later that same year she attended MCC and eventually UNI.

On July 2nd, 1970, she was united in marriage to James Walkup and the two made their home in Marshalltown. She began as a stay-at-home mom raising her two sons. Once they started school she began working as a paraprofessional at Rogers Elementary School and eventually as the school secretary. She retired after 30 plus years at Rogers and enjoyed being a part of so many children’s lives and seeing them grow.

Brenda’s grandkids put the sparkle in her eye. She loved traveling to watch and encourage them with their sports and school activities and spending precious time with them. She also enjoyed following and regularly attended many of the activities of her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews…concerts, recitals, games, and birthdays. One of Brenda’s favorite hobbies was spending weekends on the garage sale circuit. She enjoyed shopping and finding that little treasure or bargain.

Brenda will be forever loved and her memory will be cherished by her husband James of Marshalltown; sons Troy Walkup of Marshalltown and Trent (Jennifer) Walkup of Des Moines; grandsons Gavin and Max Walkup; her sisters Ardelle (Terry) Downey of Marshalltown and Beth (Tracy) Mack of Carlock, IL; brothers Marlyn (June) McCrary of Marshalltown and Jerry (Marian) Bohnsack of Colorado Springs, CO; and brothers-in-law John (Connie) Walkup of Georgetown, Texas and John Studts of Marshalltown, as well as many adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In death Brenda rejoined her parents.