MARLENE GADES

MARLENE LAVONNE GADES Marlene LaVonne (Schaefer) Gades, 81, of Montevideo passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Visitation will be held Friday, March 15, 2024, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the church with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Marlene was born November 8, 1942, to Leonard and Jeanette (Nore) Schaefer. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Johnson and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Hancock. Marlene attended Hancock Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1960. She was employed by Citizens Bank in Morris as the personal secretary to the vice president. Marlene married Roger Gades on June 20, 1964, and they made their home in Montevideo where she was employed by Prindle, Maland Law Office. Through the years she served in many capacities at her church as organist, choir accompanist, office secretary and was on various boards. Marlene's greatest joy was her family and daily kept them in her prayers. She also loved being with people, playing music, reading, being outdoors and close to wildlife. Marlene loved to cook, bake, and host while serving on a beautifully set table. In later years, she had a card mission, often making beautiful, handmade cards and incorporating scripture into her creations to uplift and encourage others to rely on God's promises. Her faith gave her a quiet strength that radiated grace, patience and endless resilience. She lived her life as a caregiver and loved to help others in any way she could. Marlene's calm, peaceful presence was a comfort to many. Marlene is survived by her children, Eileen (Tim) Burgess of Danvers, Gary (Melanie) Gades of Montevideo, Jonell (Scott) Lay of Wake Forest, N.C., Allen (Tera) Gades of Montevideo; grandchildren, Mason Gades, Livia Gades, Tyler Gades, Evan Gades, Levi Lay; sister, Vernell Lea of Anoka; brother, Dennis (Dietra) Schaefer of Hutchinson; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marlene is preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Leonard and Jeanette; sister-in-law, Wendy Wegener Schaefer; brother-in-law, Robert Lea. In lieu of flowers, please share a story or memory of your experiences with Marlene on the funeral home website or consider a donation to Gorecki Guest House in St. Cloud where Marlene appreciated the hospitality and convenience of their services and support over the years. Arrangements are with Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Montevideo. For online guestbook, please visit www.wingbain.com.