Marlene Joyce Bedell

Marlene Joyce Bedell, 82, formerly of Fairchild, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon July 26, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Marlene was born on August 18, 1942, in La Porte, Indiana, to Kenneth and Catherine (Schrader) Metcalf. She was raised and educated in La Porte, where she spent her early years.

Marlene was first married to James Schmidt, and to this union, four children were born. She later married Leroy Bedell and the couple made their home in Fairchild. Marlene remained in Fairchild until her health declined and she moved to rural Augusta to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

A devoted and hard-working woman, Marlene spent many years at the Alan House Restaurant and Motel in Osseo, where she worked in nearly every role. She also worked as a cook and waitress at the NuCafe in Augusta and proudly owned and operated the Corner Café in Fairchild. Her strong work ethic and dedication were evident in everything she did.

Marlene found joy in tending to her beautiful flower beds and planting vegetable gardens each year. She had a true talent for cooking and took pride in preparing meals for family and friends. In her later years, as she became less active, she found comfort and pleasure in reading, becoming an avid reader with a love for books.

Marlene will be remembered for her strength, her generous heart, and the quiet but steady presence she brought to the lives of those who knew and loved her.

She will be dearly missed by her 2 daughters, Jamie (Rick) Branter of Eau Claire, Theresa (Randy) Peterson of Augusta; son Ora (Twyla) Schmidt of Eau Claire; 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; her 3 brothers, Terry (Jan) Metcalf of Bradenton, Florida, Gerald Metcalf, and Lawrence (Phyllis) Metcalf all of La Porte, Indiana; many nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Catherine Metcalf; son, James Bradley Schmidt; sister Sharon Schlicker; brothers Dennis, Kenneth, Bernard, Virgil, Jerry and Ora Metcalf; and husband Leroy Bedell.

In keeping with Marlene's wishes, a private graveside service will be held at the Fairchild Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System for their compassionate care in her final days.

Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com