Marlene Uhlenkamp, 70, of Starkweather, ND, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2012 at her home in Starkweather under the care of Mercy Hospice after a courageous battle with ALS.

Marlene was born May 23, 1942, to Olie and Gloria (Grovesdahl) Hanson at Fergus Falls, MN. She moved with her family to Cando at the age of 10. She attended school and grew up in Cando where she graduated in the Cando High School class of 1960. She then moved to California for a short time but returned to the Cando area. Marlene and James Uhlenkamp were united in marriage on August 24, 1973, at Devils Lake, ND. They made their home in Starkweather.

Marlene worked for a time at Miller's Potato House but was primarily a homemaker for her family. She loved to have her family gathered on Sundays as she was known for her home-cooked meals. Marlene loved to garden and enjoyed getting together with her friends in Cando for golfing. She loved animals and often fed the stray, hungry cats in town, and enjoyed her evenings in the backyard watching the birds in her bird feeders. She was in dart league for awhile and stayed connected to her Cando roots. Marlene was known for her quick wit and one liners. She wasn't the best at telling jokes and was known for either mixing it up, forgetting the punch line or giving it away. She could be found doing the daily newspaper crossword puzzle as well as her creative, word-making ability in Scrabble that everyone else was envious of.  Marlene's Catholic faith was very important to her, and she was a member of the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church in Starkweather.

Marlene is survived by her husband: James Uhlenkamp of Starkweather; children: Brian (Susan Romine) Uhlenkamp of Rochester, MN, Leah (Stacy) Janzen of Devils Lake, ND, Stuart (Lisa Harpestad) Uhlenkamp of Devils Lake, ND, David Uhlenkamp of Starkweather, ND, Veronica (Robert) Woodrow of Starkweather, ND; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Noah Uhlenkamp, Joshua and Austin Janzen, James Uhlenkamp, Mikayla Uhlenkamp, Daryl Woodrow; siblings: Jim Hanson of Cavalier, ND and Jackie (Dean) Blais of Omaha, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Keith, brothers-in-law Jerome and Raymond Uhlenkamp, aunt Ardis (Fayette) Brossard and uncle Bob (Pauline) Grovesdahl.

VISITATION will begin at 7pm Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church in Starkweather with a 9pm Rosary service. Visitation will also take place on Thursday one hour before the time of services at the church.

SERVICES will be Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:30am at the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church in Starkweather.

INTERMENT - Assumption of Mary Catholic Cemetery, Starkweather, ND.


Condolences:

James & family,

Deepest sympathy to you and your family.  Always had a real connection with the Hanson family. Jim and I were classmates and friends and graduated in '63.  Marlene & Jackie were always full of fun. Marlene is now free of the terrible ALS and in Heaven.  God's blessings to the family.

Terry Hogenson



Jim and family We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers at this time.

Niel and Linda Carik and Kevin Austfjord



We are very sorry for your loss. Marlene was always upbeat and great to visit with. She will be missed.

Mark and Eva Olson



We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Rodney and Roberta Rodeman



OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL OF HER FAMILY.

SHE WAS MY BEST FRIEND IN HIGH SCHOOL AND I'M SO SORRY WE WERN'T TOGETHER MORE.

GWEN (SHELLEY)NEWELL



Dear Family

I am so sorry for the loss of Marlene.  I did not know her as much as I knew Jim, Stuart, Dave and Leah.  I flagged for Mayo's one summer and got to know you very well.  I proceeded to work for Leah at United Express and enjoyed her company a lot. I hope that you find comfort during this time, and I will keep you all in my prayers.

Your friend, Tara Sondeland



So sorry for your loss. This is a very nice eulogy. Many probaly couldn't ask for a nicer one. Marlene was a fun and outgoing, beautiful person. She will live on through her wonderful children.

Jessica, Jeff, and Grace Hargraves



We are so sorry to hear of Marlenes passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, your Anderson cousins. (formerly of Battle Lake, Mn.)



We are sorry to hear about your loss.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Scott Thorson and Marlena Johnson



Dear James, Veronica and family of Marlene.  My eyes are filled with tears.  I loved Marlene so much from the times we spent in high school, as roomates in Mpls, and later over the years just a few miles apart.  I loved to see her smiling face whenever I saw her and her sense of humor just cannot be equalled.  And that laugh!  I will never forget it because it always pops into my mind when I think of her.  I wish I would have known she was ill so I could have sent her some flowers and cards.  Know this though.  She will be missed by all who knew her because she touched our lives and made us all realize that laughing was good for the soul.  Love you Marlene. R.I.P.

Glenda Thomas



James & family,

We're so sorry to hear about Marlene's illness and passing. Our thoughts are with you.

Sincerely,

Bob & Carolyn Jordahl



We miss you Grandma.   Mikayla