Although we both grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the same college, I didn't meet Marlene until I joined MHCC. We had similar views about many things and often jokingly said that if the world would just listen to us it would be a better place. In the 10 years since we began playing golf together, Marlene was my "go to" partner.  She was always ready to join me for guest days, the Classic, Ladies Day or just a casual day of golf. Although it was obvious more recently that she wasn't feeling great, she didn't complain but instead looked for a reason to be happy and laugh.  That's what I "see" in my mental image of Marlene - head thrown back and laughing loudly at something that she enjoyed.  The time I spent with Marlene is treasured and I'm so happy to have those memories -- especially of her laugh.

I played golf with Marlene on Thursdays for many years! She loved golf, and we loved the way she marked her ball with all the squiggly lines. Always in a good mood, never complained about her health, you would never know she was fighting cancer, until you asked her about her treatments, then you realized how incredibly "tough" she was.

She loved her kids and especially her grandkids , her smile was amazing when she talked about them. If she wasn't talking about her kids it was about her dog! A real animal lover for sure! And of course Larry, who she adored.

Our longtime group of girls that played here on Thursday mornings will not be the same without her.  

Carol Noel

Our families would gather together at the Hemmingsen cabin on Lake Shetek.  When Marlene was about 14 or 15,  we went over to the boat house to fish for crappies (fish).  While I was fishing,  Marlene was urging the crappies to mate.  She would say, " come on you two, don't by shy" I had to laugh out loud.  " Marlene, why are you doing this?  How would I know she would some day become a marriage counselor.  It all started with counseling the fish.  It was really a fun experience and one I always remembered.

Darwin Burda