Marlene Joan Larson

Marlene J. Larson, age 90 of Altoona, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at The Classics in Altoona. Marlene was born in Madison, MN on February 27, 1936 to the late Gaylord and Bertha Tallaskon.

She was the caretaker and oldest of her 9 siblings. In high school, she was a cheerleader. On September 1, 1957, she married the love of her life, Stanley. They met while they were in kindergarten. He sat behind her and combed her hair. Stanley and Marlene enjoyed dancing on Friday nights and going to dinner.

At the age of 16, she started working at the telephone company as an operator and in 1959 they moved to Eau Claire where she began working for AT & T.

Marlene is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Stanley; daughters: Vicki (Jesse) Bignell and Julie (Frank) Bartella; grandchildren: Anthony (Vanessa) Bignell, Andrew (Madeline) Bignell and Vincent (Grace) Bartella; siblings: Carole (Chuck) Fernholz, LaRayne (Paul) Roisum, Donna (Gordy) Tollakson and Gerry Tollakson; and sister-in-law Dorothy Tollakson. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents, son Gregory Scott, siblings: Sonny, Allan, Dale, Stan and Gary, and sisters-in-law LaDonna, Penny and Sharon.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd, Eau Claire with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place at Madison Cemetery, Madison, MN.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.