Marlene Kipp

Marlene Kipp, age 71, of Festina, Iowa, died on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, Iowa, with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Helms Funeral Home - French Chapel, 202 South Washington St., in Calmar and also after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Tuesday morning. Marlene Ann (Lechtenberg) Kipp was born on August 17, 1952, the daughter of Lawrence and Thecla Lechtenberg. She was raised on a farm outside of Spillville and attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School until the 8th grade. She graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1970. Marlene was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Eugene Kipp, on December 26, 1970. She then became a homemaker in Georgia and later in Kaiserslautern, Germany while Gene was stationed there in the US Army. After they returned to the United States, they made their home in the Mason City area where Marlene worked as a bookkeeper. In 1982, Gene and Marlene moved to the Kipp homestead south of Festina. In 1987, Marlene began working as a bank teller in Calmar where she worked for 33 years until her retirement in 2020. From Marlene and Gene’s union, three children were born: Patrick, Karla, and Kristi. Marlene enjoyed traveling, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and having conversations with people. Marlene was an incredibly hard worker, an amazing cook and housekeeper, and more than anything, a kind soul. There is no one who she would not help. She always had a big smile for everyone she met. Marlene is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Gene; her children, Patrick (Bernadette) Kipp, Karla (Travis) Gilson, and Kristi (Ted) Rumph; her four grandchildren, Carter & Jenna Gilson and Ann & Aidan Rumph; one sister, Marilyn Sabelka; two brothers, Leon (Laura) Lechtenberg and Larry Lechtenberg; one brother-in-law Milton (Sally) Kipp; sisters-in-law, Donna Lechtenberg and Joyce Vetter, along with many nieces and nephews. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents: Lawrence and Thecla Lechtenberg. Her in-laws: Edwin & Hilaria Kipp. Brother: Lester Lechtenberg. Brother-in-law: Larry Sabelka. Nephew in infancy: Scott Lechtenberg.