Marlene Kay Leegaard was born on June 16, 1938 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Erwin and Jewell (Cory) Ellertson. She grew up in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota and went to school in Emmons. Prior to her retirement Marlene worked many different jobs. Marlene enjoyed softball, bowling, fishing, football and golf.
Survivors include her children Victoria (Tim) Earing, Randy (Carla) Leegaard, Susan (Dave) Kunz, and Rhonda Leegaard, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one on the way, sister Cindy (Ken) Lamping, brother Dennis (Marsha) Ellertson, sister-in-law Betty Ellertson, brother-in-law Sy Stell, and several nieces and nephews.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her son Rodney Leegaard, brothers Jim and Darrell Ellertson and sister Sonja Hill.