Marlene Westphalen

On January 31, 1937, Loretta and Martin Klein welcomed their daughter, Marlene Marie, into their home. She grew up in Remsen, Iowa, along with her two sisters, Shirley and Audrey. After her mother passed away, Marlene’s family expanded to include Clara, her stepmother, and two more sisters, Jeanette and Betty. Marlene graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and upon graduation, attended beauty school in Sioux City. After obtaining her license, she relocated to Spencer, Iowa, to pursue her career as a beautician.

Marlene married Jerald “Fritz” Westphalen on June 1, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church in Remsen, just three days before his deployment. During his two-year service in Germany, Marlene stayed in Spencer where she worked as a stylist.

When Fritz returned from Germany, they lived on an acreage north of Royal. They had one daughter, Pamalee Sue, and they raised her there in the country.

Marlene held a variety of jobs, eventually retiring from Heartland Press. She had many hobbies. Golfing, sewing, cooking, crafting, carpentry, and gardening brought her great joy. She was never afraid to tackle a new project. Marlene was passionate about helping others. She also cared deeply about animals. There never was a stray cat that she didn’t care for.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughter, Pamalee Orth (Paul) of Menomonie, WI, her sister: Audrey Stromberg of Ames, IA, one step-sister: Betty Wittkop of Remsen, IA, sister-in-law: Joyce Morton of Sherman Oaks, CA and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Martin & Loretta (Konz) Klein, stepmother: Clara Klein, two sisters: Shirley Kunkel Elser & Jeanette Boever, five brothers-in-law: Duane Kunkel, Don Elser, Mark Stromberg, George Wittkop, Jack Morton and Jim Boever, niece: KarenForsey, nephew: Michael Boever, Pam’s father: Fritz Westphalen, and Pam’s grandparents: Ethel & Roy Westphalen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to People for Pets in Spencer.