Marlene R. Goedken, 87, of Dubuque, died Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marlene will be 10:00 am Friday, August 16, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Jeff Frieden as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Marlene was born June 29, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Alfred and Lillian Pfohl Dean. She graduated from the former Immaculate Conception High School in 1955. On June 2, 1956, she married Richard E. Goedken at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque and was his beloved wife for 61 years.

She was employed as a librarian at Holy Ghost Parish, followed by having various sales and sales management positions in retail and customer service for 50 years. She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Marlene led a fulfilling life, with her family and faith of utmost importance to her. She was a “mom” to many, beyond her sons, because of her deep sense of caring for others. She developed many friendships easily because of her “gift for gab,” genuine spirit, engaging smile and cheerful laugh. Marlene enjoyed the simple things in life whether it was get-togethers with family and friends, fishing (although when she set the hook, we had to remind her not to turn the fish inside-out), playing card games, planting flowers or beating her sons in cribbage. She will be fondly remembered by the way she touched our lives.

Survivors include three sons, Daniel (Leslie) Goedken of Sugar Grove, IL, David (Jolene) Goedken of Potosi, WI, and Kenneth (Lora) Goedken of Asbury; six grandchildren, Sarah Carter, Marcus (Amy) Goedken, Jacob (Brittany) Goedken, Amanda Shoemaker, Zachary Goedken, and Nathan (Kayla) Goedken; one brother, Robert (Betty) Dean of Dubuque; eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law, Janann Vogt of Dubuque, IA, Carolyn R. Goedken of Dubuque, IA, and Bonnie Goedken Ready of Iowa City.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, Jessica Goedken, twin great-grandsons, Urijah and Elijah Carter at birth, one grandson-in-law, Terrance Carter, one brother, Donald (Darlene) Dean, mother-and father-in-law, Ludwig and Reinilda Lehmann Goedken, and in-laws, Duane (Marion) Goedken, Vernon Goedken, Herbert (Regina) Goedken, Melvin (Ann) Goedken, John Goedken, Francis (Esther) Goedken, Jim Vogt, Edith Goedken, and Delores (Melvin) Miller.

A memorial has been established for the activities department at Stonehill Care Center.

The family has deep gratitude for the many residents and staff of Stonehill Health Center that were very special to Marlene.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Marlene’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.