Marlene Hess
Marlene Elizabeth Hess, age 85, of Plain, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025, surrounded by her family at Greenway Manor, Spring Green. Marlene was born on November 1, 1939 at home on the farm in rural Stoddard, the daughter of Clarence and Doris (DeGarmo) Wolfe. Following graduation she married Edward L. Hess on September 17, 1960 in Coon Valley. Marlene was a member of the St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Women’s Auxiliary Group, Women’s Golf League and volunteered at the Food Pantry. Marlene liked to keep busy and had several jobs over the years including Phil’s Grocery Store, Plain Sale Barn Bar and Restaurant and Land’s End, just to name a few. Marlene was an avid sewer and could create just about anything with her sewing machine. She was also great at mending or fixing any piece of clothing that needed repair. She loved quilting and utilized various special pieces of cloth to create a memorable quilt for all of us. She enjoyed fishing with family; on a dock, from a shore or on a boat. She enjoyed gardening and had a very green thumb! (Maybe Two!) One of her biggest pleasures was spending time in her flower beds. Marlene loved spending time with her family but especially her grandchildren and her great grandchildren! She was very proud of the family she created!
She is survived by four children: Curt (Aline) Hess, Carrie (Neil Mack) Raught, Ron (Shawn) Hess, and Ann (Brent) Winkers. Grandchildren: Andrew (Vicki) Hess, Kylie (Jayme) Berger, Jordan Hess, Jillian (Austin) Hessbrandt, Chelsey (Tyler) Schultz, Cassidy (Bryce) Sponem, Colbie (Griffin) Hewitt, Nathan (Josefina) Houghtaling and Kandis (Jeff) Houghtaling. Great Grandchildren: Brock Hoskins, Colton Hess, Tyla Hess, Jase Hess, Brynlee Berger, Brayson Berger, Brayden Sponem, Corey Sponem, Peyton Hewitt, Treysinn Trainor, Liam Houghtaling, Karissa (Jacob) Maier, Jaelyn Gradel, Melanie, Maya, Nikki and Natalie Houghtaling Cruz. Sisters: Mryna Ostrem and Donna (Tom) Willenberg, Brother: Steve (Deb) Wolfe, Sister-in-laws: Barb Wolfe, Carol Nachreiner, Rita Gruber and Jeanette Hess, Brother-in-laws: Arlyn Jorstad, Francis Hess and Robert Hess, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Doris (DeGarmo) Wolfe, her Husband Edward L. Hess, Brother: Carl Wolfe, Sister: Linda Jorstad, Brother-in-laws: John Ostrem, Norman Hess and Gene Gruber, Niece: Julie Ross
A sincere thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Collins, the entire staff at Greenway Manor, and to Tayler Mayer and the Upland Hills Health Hospice team, for giving such heartfelt and comforting care to our Mom always! A Christian Service will be held at Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home, Spring Green, on Thursday, October 30th at 11:00 am. Fr. Nathan Kuhn will officiate with burial to follow in the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery, Plain, WI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30th at Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home from 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.