Marlene Mila Syas

Marlene led a rich and varied life. After graduating from Kramer High School in 1954, Marlene embarked on a diverse career path. She worked as a clerk at a dry cleaners, a waitress, a farmer, and an over the road truck driver. In 1962, she moved to Illinois and worked as a telephone operator. From 1965 to 1977, she worked at the post office in Rockford, Illinois. Returning to Nebraska in 1979, Marlene earned her surgical tech degree, real estate license, and worked in real estate as a sales agent and broker until her retirement in 2002.

She enjoyed doing puzzles (as long as they weren't over 300 pieces). She loved flowers and gardening, shopping, her cat Turn-Up, traveling, having her nails done, making Christmas cookies and candy, and participating in the activities at SunRidge Village. She was actively involved in her families lives and enjoyed spoiling her great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her Infant Son, Paul Isaac Cropenhoft; Husbands, Gene Cropenhoft and Don Syas; Mother, Martha Schild and Father, Walter Schild.

Survived by Daughter, Lori (John) Rickert, Grandson, Brent (Heather) Rickert, Great-Grandson, John Ryan Rickert from Parker, CO; Daughter, Kristal (Tim) Cline, Grandson, Nathan (Katie) Cline, Great-Grandchildren, Bradon Cline and Grace Cline, Granddaughter, Nicole Cline, all from Phoenix AZ area; Daughter, Kelly (Scott) Gatewood, Granddaughter, Jennifer (Joshua) Owens and Great-Grandchildren, Ben Owens and Charlotte Owens of Shawnee, KS; and Grandson, Joshua (Kate) Gatewood of Lincoln.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Methodist Hospital, and her Nurse Practitioner Lacy Vogtman for the care and compassion they showed their loved one in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend Marlene’s service Friday, January 31, 2025, at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, 441 N. Washington St, Papillion, NE 68046 at 11:30 AM. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:30 AM. Please come and celebrate Marlene's life.