Marilyn Harrer
Marilyn Ann Kropp Harrer (95), passed away on October 19, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Marilyn was born on April 18, 1930, in Columbus, Ohio, to Lucille Weibling Kropp and Robert W. Kropp, M.D. She later graduated from The Ohio State University as a proud Buckeye. Marilyn married Richard (Dick) Harrer in 1954 after meeting the young Army Corporal on a blind, double date, and the couple moved to suburban Chicago, Illinois. Marilyn and Dick had two daughters in Hinsdale, Illinois and, in 1972, relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona. Marilyn quickly became involved in her new community where she served as PTA president at her daughters’ school, led a Brownie troop, and volunteered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Marilyn resumed her teaching career with the Scottsdale Unified School District, served on the board of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Preschool, and cherished time with her “teacher friends.” Dick and Marilyn were members of Valley Presbyterian Church, and subsequently transferred their membership to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church where they particularly enjoyed the music program. Her love of music spurred her to begin piano lessons in her 70s.
Marilyn was a lifelong elementary school teacher and often declared that third grade was her favorite level to teach. Following a rewarding career in education, she famously “flunked retirement” to continue teaching advanced math and cursive writing at Anasazi Elementary School. She was passionate about penmanship, letter writing, and keeping the art of cursive alive in the younger generation, stressing its importance for reading historical documents. During the pandemic, she even recorded instructive videos and hosted Zoom classes at Anasazi to make sure students did not fall behind in their cursive lessons.
After moving into the Vi at Grayhawk in 2014, Marilyn founded its Pen Pal Project, which pairs Vi residents with third-grade students from a local elementary school to write letters in cursive. This program fosters bonds between generations, and allows for students to practice the skills they learn in school. In last school year’s class of Pen Pals, there were 46 pairs. She also served on the Vi at Grayhawk’s Foundation and was instrumental in organizing the Vi’s community outreach and fundraising for a deserving middle school.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters Susan (Jerry) Woodrow and Marcia (David) Sobek, and grandchildren Jack Woodrow and Madeline and Grant Sobek. Marilyn took great pride in her role as an involved grandmother, or “Amma”, and never missed a special event or milestone. She is also survived by her sister, Stephanie Betz of Toledo, Ohio. She is predeceased by her husband, Dick, of 65 years, and her sister, Julie Center.
A memorial worship service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255, with a luncheon reception to immediately follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to either Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Foundation Music Fund, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255, or Vi at Grayhawk Residents’ Foundation to continue its educational endeavors, 7501 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.