Marlene S. Sweet's Obituary
Marlene Hansel Sweet, lovingly surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026. She was born on August 5, 1945, in Oskaloosa to Lloyd Hansel and Ruth “Faye” Gladwin Samer. Marlene graduated from Wautoma High School with the Class of 1963. Throughout her life, she was known for her caring heart, strong spirit, and deep love for family and friends. In her younger years, Marlene worked in nursing and waitressing, but her true calling was caring for children in her home. She touched the lives of many families over the years, offering love, comfort, laughter, and guidance to countless children who became part of her extended family. Marlene found joy in the simple pleasures of life — crocheting beautiful creations, baking for those she loved, and sharing laughter and a glass of wine with family and friends. She was also a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is lovingly survived by her sons, Mitch (Michelle) Dredske, Mike (Sheryl) Dredske, and James (Olivia) Thompson; her daughter, Beth Thompson; and her stepson, David (Heidi) Sweet. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Patty Michur; brothers-in-law Clifford (Sue) Sweet and Mike (Sue) Sweet; and her dear best friend of many years, Sharon Hammes. Marlene was a proud grandmother to Andria (Betty), Mikey and Adam Dredske; Erik and Bella (James) Thompson; Courtney (Casey) and Alexis (Clayton) Robinson; Chris (Alyssa) and Brionna Pinno, Sydney Gray-Pinno, Keagan, Ryley (Chelsea), and Ethan (Jordan) Dittel; Hunter (Brittany), Hailey, Brice (Ashlyn), and Brock (Emily) Price; Eddie (Ashley), Dale, and David Sweet. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Makya, Amari, Emersyn, Sully, Marilyn, Sammie, Hazel, Oakly, Landyn, Brielle, Lucas, Kylie, Aubrey, Blakely, Elliott, Anastayza, Hudson, Braxton, Bryler, Beckett, Nevaeh, Waylon, Brielle and Daxtyn(expected to join the family soon) Marlene shared a special bond with her “special grandson” Cody (Anna) Hasslinger, who held a very special place in her heart. She also leaves behind the many children she lovingly cared for throughout her life, all of whom became part of her story and legacy. Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Leroy Jajtner and the entire Compassus Hospice team for their compassion, care, and support during Marlene’s final days. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James Sweet; her daughters, Mary Dredske and Angie Remer; stepson Brad Sweet; her grandson, Frankie; and her cherished dogs, Beau and Precious. Marlene will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, sense of humor, spunkiness, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 am at Fiss & Bills Funeral Home at 865 S. Westhaven Drive. Oshkosh, WI 54904. Rev. Robert Rosenberg will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 9 am until 11 am. Committal services will be held at Lake View Cemetery, Lunch after cemetery at South Park shelter 1 in Oshkosh
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