Marlene Siblerud

Marlene Kay Siblerud, 69, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009, as the result of a car accident near Somers — just one week after the passing of her dear father, Art Rasmussen. Marlene was born Dec. 21, 1939, in Kalispell to Arthur and Bea (Bern) Rasmussen.

She grew up in Kalispell, attended area schools and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1958. She attended Kenman Business School in Spokane, Wash., and the University of Montana in Missoula. In grade school, Marlene met a young boy named Roger Siblerud. Little did she know that they would be married on Aug. 25, 1960, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the same church where both of their parents were married.

After their wedding, Marlene and Roger moved to Seattle, Wash., where Roger attended Pacific Lutheran University. Daughter Kelly and son Dan were both born in Seattle just prior to Marlene and Roger moving back to Kalispell in 1967. Son Patrick was born in 1968.

Roger went to work at Kelly-Main Street Furniture with his father-in-law, Art Rasmussen. Marlene settled into becoming a full-time wife, mother and homemaker and had time to pursue her interest in decorating. Creating beauty was a major theme in her life and her passion for her flower gardens will be a living tribute for years to come.

Marlene enjoyed travel and music and her close friends know that she loved to perform. She enjoyed skiing in the winter and playing bridge. However, most of her time was spent with family and friends at their beautiful home on the shore of Flathead Lake. Their home was a regular gathering place for family, friends and out-of-town guests. Marlene was a loving daughter, a wonderful wife and a beloved mother and grandmother.

Marlene is preceded in death by twin daughters, son Patrick and her father, Art Rasmussen. She is survived by her husband Roger Siblerud; her mother, Bea Rasmussen; daughter Kelly Nelson and Ken Degitz; granddaughters Nicole and Haley Nelson, son Dan Siblerud and his wife Kelly, their children Sierra and Logan and grandson Andrew Siblerud 'son of Patrick), all of the Somers/Lakeside area. She is also survived by her sister, Margie LaRue and her husband Jim and their families in South Carolina and Texas; sister-in-law Donna Knadle and her husband David and their families of Maple Valley, Wash.

Memorial services for Marlene were held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Thursday, June 25 with Pastor Debra Koch officiating. The interment took place Friday, June 26 at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Marlene's family. Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.jgfuneralhome.com to post condolences and share memories.