Marlene Vanderwerf

Marlene Joann Vanderwerf, age 86, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Ernest and Anna (Buseman) Van Ellen on April 7, 1934, in Steen, Minnesota. 

On October 29, 1955, Marlene was united in marriage with Floyd Melvin Vanderwerf at the Evangelical United Methodist Church parsonage in Ackley, Iowa.  After their marriage, the couple made their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, until 1999, when they moved to Aplington.  Marlene worked several different part-time jobs, including waitressing.  She then worked at Nestlé in Waverly until her retirement.

Marlene was a member of the First Reformed Church in Aplington.  She enjoyed playing cards, watching old sitcoms and visiting casinos.  Marlene loved having lunch with her friends and spending time with her grandchildren.

Marlene passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Mercy One – Covenant in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes.  Marlene is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Floyd, on July 10, 2006; her parents, Ernest and Anna Van Ellen; and two brothers, Darrel and Ronnie Van Ellen. 

Marlene is survived by three sons, “Randy” Randall Vanderwerf of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jeffrey (Kathy) Vanderwerf of Decatur, Texas and Scott (Tammy) Vanderwerf of Waterloo, Iowa; one daughter, Vicki (Bob) Burtlow of Hedrick, Iowa; six grandchildren, Tim and Andrew Burtlow, Kirsten, Dylan, Matthew and Kayla Vanderwerf; three step grandchildren, Jennifer Binyon, Jason (Melissa) Sinclair and Jody (Christine) Sinclair; 17 step-great-grandchildren; 15 step great great-grandchildren; and one sister, Donna Miller of Conrad, Iowa.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at First Reformed Church in Aplington, with Pastor Brett Vander Berg officiating.  Pianist was Cami Haugstad.  Special music, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “How Great Thou Art” and “We Will Dance On the Streets That Are Golden” was played.  Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, with Tim Burtlow, Dakota Newton, Dylan Vanderwerf, Matthew Vanderwerf, Kirsten Vanderwerf and Kayla Vanderwerf serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were Daniel Miller and Eric Van Ellen.

Visitation was held one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to family.  Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com