Marlene J. Bartelson

Marlene J. Bartelson passed peacefully and unexpectedly in her sleep on April 27, 2023. Her family is deeply saddened by her sudden death.
Marlene always provided love and support for her family. Her greatest joy was being the central figure in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her family and friends took comfort knowing that Marlene would do anything for them. She was willing to travel any distance to see the people she loved. Anyone who knew her family and friends knew that Marlene was a star in their eyes and that's all that mattered to her. Nothing brought Marlene more joy than welcoming and holding the newest members of her family.
Marlene never remarried after the death of her one true love, Don, who predeceased her by 30 years. She is survived by her children Jim (Sue) Bartelson, Julie (Nick) DiNapoli, Pete (Anita) Bartelson, grandchildren Amanda (Adam) Dirnberger, Katelyn (Sam) Bertsos, Kellie (Matt) Gill,
Jake Bartelson, Alyssa Bartelson, Rachel (Josh) Schoch, Kristin DiNapoli, Mary Bartelson, Abby Bartelson, and great grandchildren Leah Dirnberger, John Bertsos, Christopher Gill and one more on the way.
Marlene was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Schurz high school. She worked in customer service at Olson Rug where she met her sweetheart, Don, who worked in the mail room. They married in 1961 and moved to Buffalo Grove where they started a wonderful family. Marlene was a stay-at-home mom as she raised her 3 children. The Bartelson family had many, many wonderful years with friends and family on Maple Drive. Later, Marlene enrolled in business and computer classes and returned to the workforce. She was the office manager at Buffalo Grove Park District for over 10 years. After retiring, she worked part time at the Golf Dome in Buffalo Grove until she fully retired. Her passion for connecting with others allowed her to create lasting bonds with friends, customers, children, and the wonderful "Buffalo Grove family" with whom she worked.
That passion was evident throughout her life as she built friendships that truly lasted a lifetime. She maintained connections with friends from elementary school throughout her adult life. Whether it was a quick lunch or a weeklong cruise, Marlene never missed an opportunity to create new memories with those close to her. She also never missed an opportunity to beat anyone foolish enough to challenge her in a game of Scrabble. She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
"Anyone say shopping?" Marlene was always up for a shopping trip. She loved visiting the little shops in Delafield, Wisconsin and Geneva, Illinois. The little treasures that she found on her shopping adventures were always the perfect gifts for others. Marlene always put so much thought into her presents, which made them so meaningful to the recipient.
Marlene had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and adventurous! Marlene was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by the many people whose lives she touched.
The family will be welcoming visitors from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Sunday, April 30, at Yurs Funeral Home (1771 W. State Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134). The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1, at 10:30am at St. Patrick's Church (400 Cedar Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174). Immediately following, there will be a luncheon at Mio Modo (Francesca's) (200 S. 2nd Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174).
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to causes important to Marlene and her family:
The Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities is a program that serves children challenged physically, developmentally, or cognitively by providing financial assistance for medical treatments or therapies not covered by insurance.
https://mccdcares.com/
Smile Train is the largest cleft-focused organization providing training, funding, and resources to empower local medical professionals in 70+ countries to provide 100%-free cleft surgery and other forms of essential cleft care in their own communities.
https://www.smiletrain.org/
Should you not be able to participate in the services, we welcome your sharing a reflection within the Guest Book. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and for holding a special place in your heart for Marlene.