Marlene Ann (Ehrhardt) Bentsen was born on August 24, 1939, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Dodge, IA, as was her identical twin sister, Mary Elizabeth, to Fred John Ehrhardt and Marion Beryl Williams Ehrhardt.  She was baptized on November 26, 1939, and later confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church of Sac City, IA.  She graduated from Sac City Public School in May of 1957.  That Fall, she attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA. 

     Marlene married Ronald Roy Bentsen on August 24, 1957.  To this union were born three children: Randal John, Kathleen Ann, and Kenneth Albert.  Ronald and Marlene farmed and lived east of Odebolt for 40 years, retiring to Sac City in February of 1998.

     Marlene held many offices in civic and church organizations.  She loved her church. Marlene sang in the choir and taught Bible School as well as Sunday School.  She was past-president of the PEO Sisterhood - Chapter BI, and Ingleside Club (Federated Women’s Club).  She helped to organize Telecare in Odebolt and continued to call the elderly in Sac City.  She loved teaching pre-school and volunteered at Loring Care Center.  She always looked at the best in everyone, never saying a bad word about anyone.  She loved each day the Lord gave her. Marlene enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, as well as playing bridge and spending time with friends. 

     Marlene went to be with her Savior on December 12, 2016, and is survived by her three children: Randal (Karen) Bentsen of Atlantic, IA, Kathy (Paul) Carlson of Raymore, MO, and Kenneth (Joni) Bentsen of Sac City, IA; eight grandchildren: Audra (DeWet) Jooste of Sioux Falls, SD, John (Laura) Bentsen of Shawnee, KS, Haven Carlson of Ames, IA, Eric Carlson of Idaho Falls, UT, Ryan Carlson of Raymore , MO, Joseph Bentsen of Spirit Lake, IA (and special friend Courtney Riedell of Sac City, IA), Alena (Adam) Naberhaus of Johnston, IA, and Kalyn (Lucas) Johnson of Sac City, IA; great-grandchildren: Kullen and Olivia Jooste, Vivian and Charlie Bentsen, and Kellan Johnson; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Bob Carstensen of Brooklyn Park, MN; many extended family members and friends.

     Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Bentsen; her parents: Fred and Marion Ehrhardt; in-laws Albert and Hazel Bentsen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Lawrence and Elaine Bentsen and Lloyd and Lois Siebrecht.