Eileen Machen

Eileen Machen

Marion

Harriet “Eileen” Machen, 96, of Marion passed away peacefully on Nov. 7, 2023, at Mercy Hospital. A public visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, followed by a private family burial.

Eileen was born April 12, 1927, in Marengo, Iowa, to David and Lola Cooperider. She attended country schools through eighth grade and graduated from Marengo High School. Following graduation, Eileen worked as a secretary for the city attorney. It was there that she met Jim Machen in April of 1946. They were engaged in 1948 and married on Aug. 6, 1950, at the Marengo First Presbyterian Church.

Eileen and Jim moved to Cedar Rapids and later, Cedar Falls, where Eileen worked as a secretary at a couple of local insurance companies and for the city clerk in Cedar Falls. Eileen and Jim moved to Marion in 1956 when they built their own home. They lived together in that home until Jim’s passing in 2009. In 2019, Eileen moved to the Views of Marion. She cherished the many friendships she made in her new home.

Eileen took a break from work to start their family. Eileen and Jim had two children, Neil and Janeen. During these years, Eileen was a devoted mother and very involved in her children’s activities. She was an active band booster and supporter when Neil was the drummer in various high school groups and she faithfully attended Janeen’s school events and was active in Janeen’s many years of 4-H. As a family, a favorite vacation destination was Bemidji, Minn., where they would stay in a cabin and enjoy fishing, spending time on the beach, and going to town to visit local shops. In 1979, Eileen returned to work as a secretary at Safeco Insurance when Neil and Janeen were in college. In retirement, they enjoyed some well-deserved vacations together. In six years, they traveled to 13 different destinations, including a cruise to the Bahamas, a trip to California, a visit to Colorado, and a tour of the East Coast. They also enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada.

Eileen is survived by her children, Neil (Valynda) Machen and Janeen (Mark) Crowley; grandchildren, Leah (Dan) Krieg, Nathan Jackson, and Katie Machen; and great-grandson, Lucas Machen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; grandson, Rich Machen; sister, Helen Niner; and brother, Duane Cooperider.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.cedarmemorial.com.