Marlene Gloege

Marlene was born on June 13, 1935, in Seattle, Washington to Clark and Margaret Eckart. She was the eldest sister to Pat and Claire. Marlene lived in Seattle and Edmonds, WA, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle. Marlene then attended Whitman College, in Walla Walla, WA for two years before transferring to the University of Washington where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Marlene met her husband, Marvin Gloege, at the University of Washington and they were married on June 7, 1958. They lived in several cities throughout Washington and Oregon, finally settling in Corvallis, OR where they lived from 1972-2009. Marv and Marlene then moved to the Mennonite Village in Albany. More recently, Marlene has been living in Salem.

Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, putting family at the heart of her life. She was an avid letter writer, keeping in touch with family and friends throughout the year. Marlene was an excellent cook and baker and shared her recipes with many. Marlene took great pleasure in gardening and could be seen outside tending her garden at all months of the year. Holidays were important to Marlene, and she put great effort into selecting gifts, decorating, and making the holidays memorable for everyone. Having grandchildren was especially wonderful for Marlene, who relished the time she got to spend with each one. They too, loved the time they were able to spend with Grandma and the special things they did together. Marlene was also devoted to the cats she adopted throughout the years.

Marlene had several memorable jobs and volunteer work outside the home, particularly after her children were grown. Some highlights were working for Survey Research Center at Oregon State University and doing hospice work as a volunteer. After Marv’s retirement, he and Marlene were able to enjoy several memorable trips to Europe. They also traveled extensively throughout the United States, often visiting friends and family.

Marlene is survived by her children and their spouses, David and Didi Gloege of Salem, Oregon, Marty Gloege and Carol Helstosky, of Denver, Colorado, and Karen and Rob Leatherman, of Granite Falls, Washington, as well as her grandchildren, Danika Gloege of New York, NY, Helen Gloege of Boston, MA, Ellie Leatherman of Ellensburg, WA, and Henry Gloege, of Denver, CO. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Pat Eckart of Mammoth Lakes, CA and Claire Brouillard of Sandpoint, ID. Marlene’s life will be celebrated with family and friends in Seattle. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association.