Marlene Faye Bertschinger, age 70 of Athens and formerly of Viroqua passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield. She was born on February 22nd, 1945 in Viroqua to Fay “Scoop” and Millicent “Millie” (Matthes) Jacobson. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1963 and on August 10, 1964 she married Richard “Rick” Bertschinger. They lived in Milwaukee until Rick’s death on November 18, 2007. She then moved to Athens where she resided until her death. She had worked for Hansen Storage as office manager until her retirement. Marlene made many new friends in Athens and she was a very active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a very social person and had many friends in the groups she belonged to. She enjoyed doing crafts and helping others. She will be deeply missed by all.

Marlene is survived by her two children; Jodi Bertschinger of Milwaukee, Richard Bertschinger of Athens, two grandsons; Kazuki and Naoki Takamura of Athens, one granddaughter; Reina Takamura and her fiancée; Brandon Kohl of Menomonee Falls., two sisters; Betty (Charles) Dunnum of Frederic, WI, Jean (Mark) Jensen of Viroqua, other relatives and many friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister; Frances Smith and a sister-in-law; Jacqueline Bertschinger.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17th, 2015 at the Thorson Funeral Home in Viroqua with Pastor Mark Schwalenberg of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the Viola Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. on Saturday. Online condolences may be sent to [email protected]. A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2016 in Athens.