Obituary of Marlene Joyce White

    Marlene Joyce White, daughter of John and Johanna (Bothof) Van De Brake, was born July 14, 1943 in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. She spent her youth and high school in the Lake Wilson area.

    In 1959, Marlene was united in marriage to Chris Christensen. To this union, three beautiful children were born: Randi, Jess and Peggy. Marlene was employed at Alf’s Manufacturing in Sheldon, while making her home in Sanborn. She switched careers to B.S.I in Hartley where she lived, worked, and enjoyed being with family and friends. After retiring from B.S.I she kept herself busy working at the Hartley Nursing Home.

    In 1972, Marlene married Irv Horstman, adding three stepchildren to her family: Dennis, LaVonne “Susie” and Laurie. 

    Marlene was a hard worker who never quit. She enjoyed meeting the ladies for coffee whenever she could. She was a member of the T.I.M Club, birthday group and attended the Hartley United Methodist Church.

    In 1994, Marlene married Gene White, adding three stepchildren: Nancy, Sherry and Mike. Marlene then moved to the family’s century farm outside of Hartley. She retired to the farm life and enjoyed mowing, gardening, and taking care of the cats by giving each of them their own unique name. Marlene and Gene enjoyed their life on the farm visiting with family and friends.  She always made you laugh and feel special with her smile. Marlene cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. Marlene went to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 13, 2019. She was 75 years young and will be dearly missed.

    Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Gene White of Hartley; children Jess Horstman of Keystone Heights, Florida and Peggy Sterler of Sanborn; step-children: Dennis (Mary Beth) Horstman of Arlington Heights, Illinois, LaVonne “Susie” (Robert) Hewitt of Apache Junction, Arizona, Laurie (Dan) Van Veldhuizen of Madrid, Iowa, Nancy (Dave) White Miller of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Sherry (Chuck) Stockwell of Vermillion, South Dakota and Mike (Cheryl) White of Carson City, Nevada; 24 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister Harriett Bliss; other relatives and friends.

    Preceding her in death were her parents; son Randi Horstman; stepson Jeff White; and grandson, Travis Van Veldhuizen.

~ In lieu of floral gifts, memorials may be directed to The Alzheimers Foundation ~