Marlene J. Mellem

Marlene J Mellem, 83, of Viroqua, died Tuesday, November 12, 2013. Marlene was born on July 14, 1930 to Edward and Rose ( Johnson) Zitzner in Viroqua. She graduated from Viroqua High School. She married Gordon Knutson, and they later divorced. She then married Bill Evans who died in 1976. In 1980 she married Leon Mellem. Marlene worked as a cashier at Nelson Agri-Center for 14 years and also has worked at Lucas Jewelry and Jefferies Cleaners. Marlene is survived by her husband, Leon Mellem; four children: Michael (Lois) Knutson, Carolyn (Kevin) Parr of Viroqua, Rebecca (Wayne) Nedland of Viroqua, Elizabeth Evans of Westby; five stepchildren: Craig (Sue) Mellem, Bryan Mellem, Dana (Dave) Westedt, Curt (Nancy) Mellem, and Robin (friend, Mike) Hooker; eight grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Helen Zitzner. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers: Kenneth, LaVerne, Orbin, Gaylord, and Leland Zitzner; and sister, Charlotte Olson. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Liberty Pole United Methodist Church with Pastor Jean Waldron officiating. Friends may call at the church on Monday after 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.