Marlene Anderson

***The slideshow and service recording is below the obituary, and will be available to view until March 31st.***

Marlene Anderson, 92, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

Marlene Cleo Reed was born on September 13, 1932, in Wiota, Iowa, the daughter of Frank Alford and Cecil Marie (Mailander) Reed. She grew up in Wiota with five siblings, and was raised by her father, with help from aunt Hilda, after her mother died when she was young. While in high school she played on the basketball team that made it to the state tournament. She graduated from Wiota High School in the class of 1951.

While working at the popcorn factory in Atlantic she met her future husband, Ralph Anderson. The couple married on March 21, 1959, in Audubon, Iowa, and were blessed with two sons, Mark and Chad. Ralph died suddenly in May of 1979. In later years, when her sons asked her why she never remarried she said, “because you were my main focus.” In addition to raising her sons she also worked at Jaydon’s and Delong’s.

Marlene was very independent so much so that she still lived in her own home and up until recent years took care of her own lawn. She enjoyed being outdoors tending to her flowers and feeding the squirrels and birds. The kitchen was a place where many memories were made whether it be watching the birds, especially cardinals, checking to see if you were as tall as grandma Marlene on the growth chart, or whipping up some family favorites. At family gatherings she would never show up empty handed, even though she was told she didn’t have to bring anything or disappear to the kitchen to do the clean-up work no matter whose kitchen it was. Marlene had a large collection of plush teddy bears, some of which set perfectly in line on the couch next to her chair, and cardinals scattered throughout the house. A few of her favorite tv shows included anything with Clint Eastwood, old westerns, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Wheel of Fortune, figure skating and dog competitions.

Marlene was very close to her sister Benita; they looked forward to their daily drives to check in on everyone which often included stopping for an ice cream cone at McDonalds followed by people watching in the parking lots nearby.

Marlene’s generous and caring heart, fun-loving spirit, and ability to make you laugh will be deeply missed. She is survived by her sons, Mark Anderson and Chad (Jenny) Anderson; grandchildren, Jennifer (fiancé, Eli Rayburn) Anderson, Brandon Anderson, Spencer (fiancé, Alyssa Hatch) Anderson, Tanner (Payton) Anderson, Lia Lillard, and Cooper Anderson; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Cecil Reed; husband, Ralph Anderson; daughter-in-law, Shawn Anderson; siblings and their spouses, Howard Reed, Richard (Lucille) Reed, Lloyd (Wanda) Reed, Benita (Russell) Rasmussen, Duane (Norma) Reed; and nephew, Brian Rasmussen.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 7th at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic, followed by the celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Lauri Boysen officiating. Immediately following the service lunch will be served in the fellowship hall.  A private family burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Marlene’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.