Marlene Dorothy (Dierenfeld) Schmidt, youngest daughter of Charles and Louise (Branning) Dierenfeld, was born on May 22, 1942 in Carroll, IA. She was welcomed into the family by sisters Jean and Jeannette.
She was baptized, confirmed and married at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, IA, Her unwavering faith in Christ guided her life with humility, kindness, strength and compassion.
Marlene’s childhood included years spent with her family on a farm south of Wall Lake prior to moving to town. Marlene attended school in Wall Lake. She also spent 8 remarkable summers at the University of Iowa studying Speech Pathology. During those summers she was able to live in a dorm on the U of I campus, making many wonderful friendships. She remained a true Iowa Hawkeye, and always remarked about the best part of winter was watching the Hawkeye mens’ and womens’ basketball games.
Upon her high school graduation in 1960, Marlene completed Personnel Training in Omaha, NE. and then accepted a position at Bankers Life in Des Moines, where she worked until married. On September 23, 1962, Marlene married Roger Allen Schmidt. Roger worked as a hired hand on a farm for Merlyn Lenz, and Marlene worked in Denison for the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company. They made their home near Vail, IA where they were blessed with their first child, Allen (1964). Later, they would move to the family farm southwest of Wall Lake where they joyfully welcomed two more children Daniel (1967) and Angie (1972). As Roger’s work life shifted to a lengthy career on the railroad they moved into Wall Lake to raise their children. Marlene worked part-time in the school lunchroom, however, her most devoted work was as a dedicated homemaker. Upon Roger’s retirement, they embraced a new season of life, spending 6 memorable winters in Texas.
Marlene and Roger’s family was blessed to grow across the generations with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Time spent with each of these brought the greatest joy and fulfillment of their lives. Marlene’s unwavering faith remained a steady, guiding presence - one she shared with each member of her family. In addition to time spent with family, Marlene also delighted in having coffee with the girls, playing cards, Bible study, Ladies Aid, Altar Guild, Bell Choir, cancer companions and traveling. She treasured her faith, her family, her friends and the Diet Coke that never failed to make her smile.
In most recent years, Marlene found love, comfort and joy with her significant other, Denny Paysen. They enjoyed the snow-bird lifestyle and wintered in Arizona with many friends from Canada and the states.
After facing incurable cancer with strength and grace, it is with great sadness that the family of Marlene Schmidt announces her passing on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the age of 84 years. This comes after a brief stay at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids.
Marlene leaves behind a family rooted in Christian love and faith who will hold her close in memory, including: son Allen (Karen) Schmidt, their 2 children Amber (Jason) and Austin; and Amber and Jason’s children Lauren and Rex. Son Daniel (Kathy) Schmidt, their 2 children Tayler (Krista) and Nicole (Josh); Tate, son of Tayler and Krista; as well as Truett, Mallorie and Kruz, children of Nicole and Josh. Daughter Angie (Cris) Christenson and children Spencer, Brady and Carson. Also left to cherish Marlene’s memory is her significant other, Denny Paysen, who enriched her recent years with a loving relationship.
Preceding Marlene in heavenly rest were her husband Roger Schmidt; parents Charles and Louise (Branning) Dierenfeld; sisters Jean (Kenny) Westrom and Jeannette (Dick) Taylor and infant brother Don Charles; father-in-law and mother-in-law Emil and Ida Schmidt; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Larry & Diane Schmidt and Dale & Darlene Lenz.
Though we will miss Marlene more than words can express, our hearts are lifted by the thought that angels’ wings have carried her gently home to heaven.
