Marlene received her education in rural schools and was a graduate of Brookings High School in 1952.

Marlene was training for a long distance operator at the telephone office before she graduated and started working for Northwestern Bell at Brookings, SD after she graduated.  She worked there until the office moved to Madison, SD then she became a full time farm wife and mother.

Marlene was united in marriage to Roy Clark on June 5, 1953.

She was a  member of First Lutheran Church of Brookings, a member of Social Time Club. Marlene enjoyed playing cards, bingo and having coffee with her friends.  She also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.