Marlene Vernett Smouse

Marlene Vernett Smouse, age 89, of Scranton, IA, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.

A private funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton.  Casket bearers will be Marlene’s family.

A public graveside service will be held at the Scranton Township Cemetery at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2020.  Those in attendance at the cemetery are asked to abide by Covid-19 social distancing guidelines.

Those who wish may send memorials to: The Family of Marlene Smouse c/o Jeanette McGreevy 514 N. Washington Ave. Apt A, Madison, SD 57042

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for Marlene’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Marlene was born on November 12, 1930 in Barron, WI, and was the daughter of August and Mildred (Johnson) Olson.  She grew up in Duluth, MN, and her family moved to Hermantown, MN where she graduated from high school.  She worked in Duluth for several years following high school and then moved to Coon Rapids, IA.  She was married to Charles Smouse on September 15, 1950 at Salem Covenant Church in Duluth, MN.  The couple made their home near Coon Rapids where Charlie farmed and Marlene was active in the farming operation.  They moved to a farm near Scranton when their children were young.  They moved into town in the early 90’s and retired from farming shortly thereafter.  Marlene was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Scranton and the United Methodist Women for over 40 years.  She loved singing in the choir, serving meals at the church, and decorating the fellowship hall and sanctuary for the seasons.  She belonged to the Needle Club in Coon Rapids and the LaDene Club in Scranton.  Marlene was an avid Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Gophers fan.

Marlene is survived by her three children and their families: Tim Smouse of Delhi, IA; Jeanette McGreevy of Madison, SD, and Nancy Calvert (Randy) of St. Charles, IA; two grandchildren: Colton Calvert of Story City, IA, and Ethan Calvert of St. Charles, IA; three sisters: Julee Malm (Doug) of Onekama, MI, Nancy Wilson (Eddie) of Charlotte, NC, and Bonnie Olson-Lane of Hurley, WI; a sister-in-law Maxine Smouse of Coon Rapids, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents August and Mildred Olson; her in-laws: Don and Emma Smouse; seven siblings; a son Scott in infancy, and her husband Charles Smouse in 2014.