Marlene Louise (Anderson) Van Tassel Marquesen of Sioux Falls, Dakota, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage. Born on October 22, 1934, in Sioux Falls to Arthur and Doris (Beto) Anderson, Marquesen lived a life defined by family dedication and extensive global travel.
Growing up alongside her three brothers—Bill, Tom, and Kirk—as the only girl in the family, Marlene divided her early years between Sioux Falls and Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls in 1952. Shortly after, at age 17, she attended Patricia Stevens Secretarial College in Omaha, Nebraska, with her friend Dee. Her civilian career included employment with the Navy Department/Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., as well as a position at the Pentagon for Marine Corps Aviation.
During her time in the capital, a blind date introduced her to Larry Van Tassel, an Air Force serviceman originally from Long Island, New York. The couple married in 1954 and subsequently relocated to Minnesota while Larry attended the University of Minnesota. During this period, Marlene worked in the service department at the Chrysler Corp/Dodge Division. Beginning eight years into their marriage, they welcomed three children over the course of the following 6 years: Peri, Lara, and Jason. Their family journey took them across several states, including Minnesota, New York, and North Carolina. Larry passed away in North Carolina in 1977.
Return to Sioux Falls and Later Life
Following her husband’s death, Marlene brought her family back to her roots in Sioux Falls. There, she worked for a welcoming service and Citibank as a security secretary. After ten years, Marlene reconnected with Wayne Marquesen, who had once been Larry’s boss. Wayne, a widower, married Marlene in late 1987. The couple enjoyed great adventures for twenty-five years. Flea markets and antique stores served as destinations where they traveled, discovered collectibles and treasures, and sought out Wayne’s artwork. They enjoyed a full retirement.
Following Wayne’s passing in 2011, Marlene transitioned to independent living at the Good Samaritan Lodge, where she resided for 10 years before moving to assisted living in 2024, when she celebrated her 90th birthday. Beyond her professional and personal milestones, she maintained an active community presence. She volunteered for the Sioux Valley Hospital Auxiliary for over 28 years—serving as president of the group for one year and working in the gift shop—taught water aerobics at her apartment’s pool for eight years, and volunteered at the polling booth. Having practiced Lutheranism throughout her entire life, she additionally participated in a Presbyterian congregation during her time residing in New York and North Carolina, and maintains active membership at Peace Lutheran in Sioux Falls today.
Memorial Services and Survivors
Marlene leaves behind her children Peri, Lara (Brian), and Jason (Christine); her brother Kirk (Jan); her grandchildren Graeme (Hayley), Abby, Aidan, Sofia (Simon), Emma (Holden), Jay (Lacey), and Nick (Jennifer); and her great-grandson Truett, along with one niece and a number of nephews. Her family history includes the prior deaths of her parents, Art and Doris; her husbands, Larry and Wayne; her brothers Bill (Ona) and Tom (Margaret); her daughter-in-law Marcy Campbell; and her step-sons Stephen (Marka) and John.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to Feeding South Dakota.
A visitation is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Miller Southside Chapel, located at 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. Per the plans set by the family, the cremated remains of Marlene will find their final resting place through burial at the Hills of Rest Cemetery situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
