Ishpeming Twp., Marlene B. Waananen, age 78, longtime Ishpeming area resident, passed away suddenly on Tuesday June 13, 2023 at her home.

Marlene was born in Calumet on December 13, 1944, daughter of the late Bernice Nelson. She grew up in the Calumet area and attended Calumet High School with class of 1963, she left school during her senior year and married David Waananen on May 25, 1962. She later went back to school and received her GED. Together Marlene and David settled in the Ishpeming area during the 70's where they raised their three children.

Marlene was a former member of St. Pius church in Ishpeming. She enjoyed going shopping with her friend Cheryl Lauren, going fishing and berry picking with her husband, cooking, baking, and most of all she loved her grandchildren, and enjoyed going to all of their sporting events.

Marlene is survived by 2 sons- Kurt (Loretta) Waananen, Mark (Amy Hebert) Waananen, sister- Patsy Butler, 2 grandchildren- Jack and Madison Waananen, 2 step-grandchildren- Diana Black, Kali (Darren Jennings) Black, 4 great grandchildren- Ava, Cooper, Jaxson, Josie, sister-in-law- Lynn Olson, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and step-father- Bernice and Ken Nelson, husband- David Waananen, son- David "Smiley" Waananen, brother- Tom Nelson, mother-in-law- Mae Dower, and father-in-law- Bill Dower.

Marlene's family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Tuesday June 20, 2023 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 1:00pm with Fr. Christian Flagstadt officiating. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Marlene's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.