Marlene L. Welsh, 93, of Miller, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Visitation with family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026, followed by a 7:00 p.m. time of sharing, all at Reck Funeral Home in Miller. Burial will be at Beulah Cemetery, rural St. Lawrence, at a later date.

Marlene was born on August 21, 1932, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Fredrick and Hazel (Drebing) Tausendschoen. She attended school in Baltimore and carried with her throughout life a sharp wit, a creative spirit, and a deep love for family.

In 1958, Marlene married James Welsh. Together they began their life in Pennsauken, Connecticut, before moving to Mantua, New Jersey, when James accepted a job in Philadelphia. While living in New Jersey, they welcomed their children: daughters Deborah and Michelle, and sons Bryan and Keith. In 1965, the family moved to Norcross, Georgia, for several years before settling in the Chicago area in 1968.

Marlene devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children and family. She became involved in every school and parent activity imaginable — serving as the “picture lady”, the “hot dog lady”, Camp Fire Girls leader, and a constant supporter of her children’s interests and activities. She never missed a gymnastics meet, wrestling match, baseball game, or cheerleading performance. She could often be found outside playing baseball in the street with her sons and the neighborhood children. If there was something she could do for her children, she did it with love and enthusiasm.

In 1993, Marlene and Jim moved to Miller, South Dakota, wanting to spend more time with their grandchildren after enjoying her early years of grandmotherhood in the Chicago area. Her family was always the center of her world.

Throughout her life, Marlene worked many different jobs, but her favorite was being a school bus driver. She loved sharing stories and memories from her many school bus adventures. Though she did not have extensive formal schooling, Marlene possessed a remarkable gift for poetry and a lifelong love of musicals, and her favorite, Barbara Streisand.

Marlene is survived by her daughters, Deborah and Michelle (John) Carr; her sons, Bryan and Keith; her grandsons: Josh, Christopher, Cameron, and Taylor; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Welsh, two siblings, and her granddaughter, Nicolette.

The family asks that memorials be directed to the Beadle County Humane Society.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and CNAs at Good Samaritan Society for the compassionate care they gave Marlene.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Marlene’s arrangement.