Marlene Tena Marmann

Marlene Tena Cora (Hoth) Marmann, 89, died on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born July 15, 1935, in Elkader, the daughter of Elmer and Esther Bahls Hoth. She attended Hanover Country School and Bowden Country School in rural Garnavillo.
On October 9, 1956, Marlene married Allan Dale Marmann. They farmed and raised their four children north of Elkader. In addition to helping with the farm, Marlene grew a large garden and preserved its bounty to feed her family. She served as a 4-H leader for many years, and was active in Peace Church circles and kitchen crew. She was a lifelong member of Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader.
Marlene and Allan Dale belonged to a neighborhood card club, and helped with the boys and girls 4-H clubs. Fair time was a busy time for them. In 1985, they moved to town, where Marlene worked at the Ben Franklin and the Elkader Care Center, in addition, helping Allan Dale with woodworking projects. She also did alterations for weddings and proms. Marlene was known for her green thumb, and beautiful flowers. She was an excellent cook, and delighted in feeding anyone who was a guest in her home. Marlene was also the recipient of the Governor's Volunteer Award for her help with the local meal site.
In addition to her sewing cooking, and gardening talents, Marlene was a helper. If someone was in need of assistance, she was ready to lend a hand. She loved to help others, but her greatest joy in life was her family.
Marlene is survived by three daughters, Cindy (Jeff) Thompson, Rita (Randy) Kruse, and Sheri (Bill) Rodman and a son, Dennis (Debbie) Marmann. Grandchildren include Sara Thompson, Kati Collins, Heather Henry, John Marmann, Mandi Severson, Melinda Engelhardt, Michelle Severson, Maliesa Sears, Michelle Clark, Kristin Piper, Amie Moser, Grace Rodman, and their spouses and significant others. She has many great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She was extremely proud of each and every one of them and loved watching them grow up. Marlene is survived by three sisters-in-law, Shirley Marmann, Betty Marmann and Nancy Marmann; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends..
Preceding Marlene in death were her parents; her husband in 2001; infant son, Larry; a sister, Ila Mae Mueller and brothers, Eugene Hoth and Vernon Hoth.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader.
Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m, with Rev. Paula Anderson officiating
Interment: East Side Cemetery, Elkader
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.