USAF (Nurse Corps) December 2, 1938 - March 31, 2016 Marlene was born at home on a farmhouse southeast of Howells, Nebraska on a cold December day. She wasn't weighed for three days because her mother had to take her to the local meat market to be weighed and it was fiercely cold in Nebraska that day. The fourth of seven children, she attended a one room country school, taught by her cousin, and didn't have a classmate until the seventh grade when she went to middle school in Howells. A bright student, she begged her Mom and Dad to go to nursing school. Following graduation from Creighton University, and a short time as a nurse in Dr. Pavelka's office, Marlene joined the Air Force on a Buddy Enlistment along with two nursing girlfriends. They enjoyed four consecutive assignments in Texas, California, Japan and Texas. It was there she met the love of her life, her crazy man Richard. They married after a brief courtship and were happily and romantically married for 43 years. Concurrent with her 25 years military service; including Travis, Mather, March and Wilford Hall hospitals and 10 years at the 65th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron; she worked as a registry nurse at Mercy, Sutter, Kaiser and Rideout hospitals. Some of Marlene's proudest accomplishments include assignments to Tachikawa AB, Japan during the Vietnam Conflict; Operation BABY LIFT; and Operation DESERT STORM. In her civilian career, she proudly nursed to those in need from the Sacramento Aids Foundation. She was loved and admired by all she met and with whom she worked. While also an avid gardener, Marlene flourished with her knowledge of the Lord while in her Bible Study groups. A diehard Nebraska Cornhusker and Kings fan, she watched college sports and rooted with GREAT vigor. Family will be pallbearers in lieu of the Kings players since she couldn't endure the Kings letting her down one last time. Lastly, those reading this who own QVC stock are advised to dump it quickly, Marlene is no longer ordering. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?pid=179491179#sthash.QUFGLrSj.dpuf