Marlene Ann Wendle

She was born August 2, 1950, in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Marlon and Kathryn Schwier. She was 75 years old.

Despite being the youngest of three children, Marlene nevertheless experienced many “firsts.” For many years she was known as “the girl,” as she was the first girl born not only into her immediate family but in several generations of the extended family. Growing up on the expanding west side of Madison, Wisconsin, she was part of the first full graduating class of James Madison Memorial High School (now Vel Philips) in 1969.

Then, after securing her college degree at the University of Wisconsin, she helped break new ground as a member of the first class of women police officers in Madison. Through her personal fortitude, her strong will and her willingness to claim her voice, she found and valued her role as an everyday patrol officer. Her capability as an officer and persistence in the face of the challenges faced by being among the first women to wear a badge, she helped the department move toward a more modern police force.

As significant as those accomplishments were, Marlene also fought to craft a role for herself as a wife, mother, grandmother. Together, she and her husband Bill raised three successful and grounded children who now have families of their own. She will be remembered for her laugh, her big smile, her silly and ever-present singing, her deep emotional desire to connect with those closest to her, her steely and sometimes stubborn resolve, and her willingness to have fun.

She was the builder of snowmen and card castles, the organizer of family bowling outings and trips to the beach, the cottage, Hawaii, and many other places where memories were made. She planned birthday parties, swam at the lake with her kids, loved The Beatles and crossword puzzles of all kinds. She helped expand the activities and opportunities for her family much as she did at work.

While her life ended in struggle – Marlene will be remembered for her strength, her willingness to fight for others and claim a wider world view that was not always easy on—or for—her.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her children, Andy (Linden), Rebecca (Paul), and Scott (Brenda); and her grandchildren, Will, Charis, Anna, Patrick, Benjamin, Daniel, and Olivia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marlon and Kathryn Schwier, and her brothers, Jack and Gerald.

There are currently no services planned, but a gathering of close friends and family may be held in the late spring or early summer to celebrate her life.

Memorials are appreciated and may be given to the Madison Community Policing Foundation, a local recovery program in your community, or a charity of your choice.