Memorial
Merrianne Schuster Kinney, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia on August 11, 2026, at Emery Place Assisted Living in Robins, Iowa.
Born on February 12, 1945, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Merrianne was the daughter of the late Julius and Alice Mueller.
After high school, Merrianne graduated from x-ray technician school and worked at Fort Dodge Mercy Hospital. In the early 1980s, Cedar Rapids became home to Merrianne and her family. Alongside her first husband and brother, she founded Paul Revere’s Pizza. She was actively involved in Welcome Wagon and Professional Women’s Network of Cedar Rapids. These were perfect organizations for Merrianne, who never met a stranger.
Merrianne chose to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare by gifting her body to the University of Iowa’s medical school. Per her wishes, Merrianne will not have a funeral but instead, the family will honor Merrianne’s favorite pastime by visiting Von Maur and Talbots, where Merrianne was a frequent customer with an eye for style and a wardrobe that could rival any boutique.
Merrianne is survived by her children Kristin (Doug) Weih and Jeffrey (Lorie) Schuster; grandchildren Anna (Sam) Hiserote and Matthew L. Weih; and step-children Brian C. Kinney, Molly K. Schug, and Megan E. Kinney.
Merrianne was preceded in death by her husband Bill Kinney, who passed away just 17 days before her. Merrianne was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dick Mueller.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: The Alzheimer’s Association or St. Croix Hospice.