Marlene (Soeder) Tangen, 78, of Ossian, Iowa, died Jan. 5, 2016, at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Marlene Muriel, the daughter of Arnold and Nettie (Narveson) Soeder, was born June 14, 1937, in Decorah, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Locust), Decorah. Marlene graduated from Decorah High School in 1956 and attended Luther College in Decorah.

Marlene was united in marriage to Arthur Tangen on September 21, 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Marlene and Art farmed and raised their family on their Century farm south of Ossian. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, baking, dancing, and singing. Mom was full of fun. She had a twinkle in her eye with an easy laugh and smile. We could always count on her to share a witty comment or silly song to make us laugh. Mom spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking and cooking meals for her family. Fresh baked bread, pies, and cookies were always waiting for us when we got home from school. Marlene loved life on the farm. She enjoyed all the farm animals, especially the cows. She could easily tame them, gently leading them with an ear of corn or calling for them to come by name. Marlene and Art worked on the farm side by side.

Marlene taught her children the value of hard work and dedication, and to keep a steadfast faith. She loved her family and loved the Lord. Music was a big part of Marlene’s life. From her early years she sang in the church choir, choir in high school and the choir at Luther. She was also a member of the Ossian Community Choir and was often asked to sing at church or weddings. Music was always on at home. Mom would often dance to the music while working in the kitchen or singing while milking cows. Even in her last days, Mom was dancing to the music in her hospital bed, swaying her head and tapping her toes.

Marlene was a longtime member of Stavanger Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She was a woman of strong faith and conviction; always praying for her family and those in need. Marlene was a great listener and could always be relied on with her words of encouragement, patience, and support.

Marlene is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Art, of Ossian, Iowa; three daughters, Mary (Tangen) Peterson ’81 of Manchester, Iowa; Lynn Tangen ’86 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Joy Tangen ’96, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and four grandchildren, Zach Peterson ’10, Benjamin Peterson ’16, James, and Jacob; sister-in-law, Carol (Jared) Hills, niece, Kari (Colin) Dirks and family, and nephew, Paul (Cindy) Hills and family. She is also survived by her special cousins.

Marlene was preceded in death by a son, Mark Tangen; a grandson, Lucas; her parents, Arnold and Nettie Soeder and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Carl and Agnes Tangen.

Memorials may be directed to Stavanger Lutheran Church or to the Ossian Ambulance.

Visitation was Jan. 8, 2016, at Stavanger Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa. Funeral Services were Jan. 9, 2016, at Stavanger Lutheran Church with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, M.A. as the Officiants. Burial followed at Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery. Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa, helped the family with the arrangements.