Marlene Gertrude (Galland) Burnett, 78, of Hiawatha and formerly of Ft. Madison passed peacefully Sunday, April 28, 2019 at St. Luke’s hospice surrounded by family.
Marlene was born on August 7, 1940 in Sciota, IL to Charles H. and Velma M. Blum Galland. She was a graduate from Donnellson High School in 1959 and then worked at Sheaffer Pen Company. While there she met her husband Rodger and they were married on June 1, 1963 in Franklin. Marlene touched many lives in numerous ways. First and foremost she was a mom and always did her best to protect her kids. Her greatest gift was nurturing children either her own or those who she babysat; she truly loved every child. Marlene loved to prepare desserts to show how much she loved you, from angel food cake and pies to homemade noodles, she always made sure you were well fed. Marlene and Rodger loved to host pizza parties in their younger years serving her famous homemade pizza everyone enjoyed.
Marlene had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh and her smile would light up a room. Even though Alzheimer’s took her words, her laughter and joy still remained. Her laugh was truly infectious. As her Alzheimers’ progressed her husband became her 24/7 caregiver. He selflessly worked to ensure that she could remain at home. He showed his love for his family through his acts of service for our mom. Marlene was also assisted by a wonderful team of nurses who provided exceptional and compassionate care. While at home her team of nurses showed compassion beyond words. They treated our mother as though she was family. Once her need of care increased, Colonial Manor of Amana treated Marlene with compassion and dignity and our family is forever grateful.
Survivors include her husband, Rodger of Hiawatha; four children Karen (Ted) Meckler of Tipton, Linda Luke of Carlisle, David Burnett of Shawboro, NC and John (Stephanie) Burnett of Ely; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild; one sister, Judy Doty of Ft. Madison and a special great niece, Kelly Nelton. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 12:30 PM at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Troy Weigert officiating. The family will meet with friends from 11 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Kahoka City Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Colonial Manor of Amana and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com
