Marlene June Plenert

1932 - 2009 Marlene June Plenert passed away on June 18, 2009 in Palm Desert, Calif. shortly after her 77th birthday. Marlene endured a number of physical challenges during her lifetime including both breast and lung cancers; however, it was her heart that failed and took her peacefully from this life on earth…and no doubt with a smile on her face, as her last desert was a lemon meringue tart from her favorite deli-bakery, satisfying her "sweet tooth" to the end. Marlene was born June 10, 1932, in St. John, Kan., to Charles and Bertha Augusta (Ukens) Rice, farmer and housewife. She enjoyed the privileges and pitfalls of being the youngest of six children during the depression years. Marlene graduated from St. John High School in 1950 and soon married. A son, Dennis Rodney Cadman was born Oct. 13, 1951. The marriage was not long lasting. As a young woman she worked as a waitress and during this time she met her second husband, Gordon E. Plenert. They were married on July 14, 1961 in Aurora, Colo. Shortly thereafter they moved to Palm Desert, Calif. and bought a house in P.D. Country Club where Marlene continued to reside until her death. Marlene worked as a secretary for 19 years at Esterline Armtec Defense in Coachella until her retirement in 1999. This past December she had a wonderful time attending the company's annual holiday part and seeing many of her old friends and co-workers. Marlene's greatest joys in later life came from her two dogs, Guy and Gal, and she was a regular visitor to the local dog parks. She also loved to bake and was famous for her pies, cakes and cookies. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes. Marlene was baptized in the Lutheran Church years ago and most recently enjoyed lessons taught by the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lester; her sister, Rachel; and her husband of 39 years, WWII veteran, Gordon; and a stepson. Marlene is survived by her son, a stepson, two grandsons, step grandsons; her brothers, Norman Rice (Doris), Andover, Kan., Virgil Rice (Eunice), Stafford, Kan.; sister Vernadine Hughes (John), Ft. Worth, TX; brother-in-law Abe Plenert (Janice) Dillon, Mont.; 9 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews. She will be missed by family and close friends including Janis Clarke of Palm Desert and Jean Poll of Twin Lakes, Idaho; fur kids, Guy and Gal; and roommate-caregiver Kathleen Toner. No services are planned. Cremation has taken place.