Obituaries

Windsor – Marlene Gloria (Kittilson) Alsmo was born on May 3, 1937, to Otto and Olga (Herheim) Kittilson and passed away peacefully on Friday March 22, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by her family, following a brief illness.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ken, her sisters Lorraine Johnson, Joyce Fredrick, her brother James Kittilson, her brothers-in-law Don Johnson, Russell Alsmo, Curtis Ellestad, Norman Alsmo, Alden Alsmo, Larry Raedel, Bill Martinson, sisters-in-law Margaret (Ingman) Ellestad-Stolen, Ruth Ann Raedel, and Corinne Martinson.

Marlene is survived by her children, Jeff (Janie), Debbie (Bob) O’Malley and Randy (Michelle Schroeder). She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Emily (Scot) Dymond, Kelsey (Kevin) Paasch, Chase (Samantha) Alsmo, Alexander (Kelly) Reigstad, Keighton (Paul) Klos, and Shauna (Corey) Bauhs. Marlene is also survived by fourteen beloved great grandchildren, Brayden, Brooklynn, Joshua, CJ, Michael, Emmett, Jaye, Braxton, Trajan, Beverleigh, Kelbie, Marlie, Eleanor, Elise, and two step-great grandchildren, Steven and Selena. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law, Jerry Fredrick and James Alsmo, sister-in-law, Amy Alsmo, and many loving extended family members and friends.

Marlene was the oldest of four children and was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She graduated from Sparta High School. She then moved to Madison to attend Madison Business College. After graduation she worked for the UW Plant Pathology, as the Administrative Assistant for the Director of the Central Wisconsin Colony. Her next move would have her working for Wisconsin State Universities and eventually University of Wisconsin System administration and the Board of Regents.

Marlene and Ken were married April 6th, 1958. They celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to Ken’s passing in 2019. She was a great example of a working mom, balancing both work and home. Marlene will be remembered for her love of a cold beer, Friday night fish fry and a good brandy old fashioned sweet. Her and Ken had a cabin in Adams Friendship called “The Land” where many memories were made around the campfire. She loved to travel, spend time at the casino, and enjoyed listening to polka music and dancing with her husband, Ken. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and was proud of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. A special time with the Kittilson Family was the Norwegian Luau held in Sparta Wisconsin in the summer and a waterpark in the winter. She was able to attend it last month and made many lasting memories.

We want to acknowledge the compassionate care that she received from Dr. Peter Harnish at St. Mary’s Hospital, the spiritual guidance from Pastor Sue Beadle and Chuck Peterson of Christ Lutheran Church. Finally, we thank Marlene’s neighbors and friends, Gary and Judy Gade, for their invaluable support.

Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest Wisconsin on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:00am with the service following at 11:00am. A catered luncheon will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the service. She will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Gardens (3054 Highway BB, Madison, WI) next to her husband Ken. Her children extend an invitation for you to join them for a drink in her honor at the Rodeside Grille (6317 Rostad Dr, Windsor, WI) beginning at approximately 3:30pm.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated and will be distributed to Marlene’s favorite charities. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com