Marlene Berg-Gearhart

Marlene L. Berg-Gearhart, 84, passed away at home in Camdenton, Mo., surrounded by family on June 29, 2021. She was born to Clarence and Olga Berg (Qualley) on Feb. 10, 1937, in Decorah, Iowa. Marlene was baptized and confirmed at Decorah Lutheran Church. She was raised in Decorah and received her high school education from Decorah High School. Marlene was married in 1954 to Charles Wedo Jr., where they had a son, Michael Wedo. She later divorced and was re-married April 25, 1959, to Lee J. Gearhart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Marlene worked different part time jobs, but was primarily a homemaker to her children, raising her family living in Cedar Hills by Cherry Hill Park. They had three children, Terry (Kerri) Gearhart of West Des Moines, Iowa, Toni Gallo of Ely, Iowa, and Timothy (Rhona) Gearhart of Camdenton, Mo. Marlene was very creative, a selfless person who was compassionate, went without for the sake of others, had a funny, yet ornery side and you always knew where you stood with her. Marlene was a believer in Christ following her Lutheran faith, a giver, loved sweets, especially chocolate and maple candy, contributed regularly to charities of the St. Jude’s Hospital, Boys Town and especially the disabled Veteran’s. She would prepare, then send care packages and handwritten Christmas card notes to Veteran’s every year. Marlene was heavily involved with the PTA at Truman Elementary for several years until she became the PTA president, involved with her children’s activities and many other events. She would stand in the yard or front porch of her house hollering for her kid’s to come home for lunch or dinner as they often were just up the street playing or next door in the park. She loved ice-skating, sewing, cooking, baking, coloring, crafts and decorating. Marlene crafted and made herself outfits for Lee’s sales award trips taken to Acapulco, Jamaica and the Bahama’s. She was in a bowling league at May City Lanes for several years before getting her children involved bowling on Saturday mornings. Many Saturday nights were spent out on the town at dinner with friends and dancing the night away. She loved angels and collected many over the years. She loved watching football and followed the Green-Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings with the Kansas City Chiefs watching games with her beloved dog Ginger. She would yell “touchdown” and Ginger would run to the TV to bark while jumping up and down in front of the screen. Marlene’s favorite time of the year was Christmas time. She loved everything about Christmas, possessed a talent with decorating, made her own bows for packages, decorative arrangements, was very proud of her Christmas Trees and displays decorated throughout her home. Simply put, Marlene truly loved her children and grandchildren, and her wish was for everyone to get along. Marlene was predeceased in life by her parents, Clarence and Olga; brothers, Gordon, Roger and Gerald; son, Michael; and her husband of 52 years, Lee. She is survived by her children Terry, Toni and Timothy; grandchildren, Kassie, Michaella, Trevor, Kristi, Joey and Charlie; great-grandchildren, Gaige, Tayten, Maysen, Aden, Cece, Louise, Evie and Ella; along with many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials or cards can be given at the Celebration of Life party or should be mailed to the care of Timothy Gearhart at 94 Highland Glen Ct., Camdenton, MO 65020; for her headstone marker. A special thank-you to the staff, pastor and nurses of Compassus In-Home Hospice care in Osage Beach, Mo. Their care and support for Marlene and the family was heart-felt. Another special thank-you to her beloved nieces Kathy, Jeanne and Vicky for their love, inclusion and support of Marlene throughout the years as they were truly cherished by her. At last, thank you to Justin (grandson-in-law) for his unwavering love and care. Marlene’s wishes were to be cremated, not have a traditional funeral service, but rather to have a celebration of life party for family and friends. A Celebration of Life party will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 9, at the Longbranch, 90 Twixt Town Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402; so please join us as her wish was to have you there. Marlene’s cremains will be brought home for Burial and will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah, Iowa, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10, for those that wish to attend a graveside service where she will be laid to eternal rest.