Marlene Karen Kester, 85, of Marshalltown passed away Saturday February 3, 2024. Her memorial service will be held on February 17, 2024 beginning at 10:30 A.M. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Marshalltown, Iowa. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City at a later date. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Marlene was born February 3, 1939 to Clara and Marvel Thorson in Joice, Iowa. She graduated from Forest City High School in 1957. Marlene married Lyle Eugene Pannhoff on September 10, 1960 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa. During their 33 years of marriage, they enjoyed camping, polka dancing, and of course, playing cards. Marlene worked at Gamble Robinson Co. and later at Western Sales while simultaneously raising her three children in Mason City. There, she was also an active member of St. James Lutheran Church. On May 7, 2006 Marlene was united in marriage to Larry Kester. They made their home together in Marshalltown, Iowa. They enjoyed spending time working on puzzles and playing cards with family and friends. They also enjoyed traveling to B&Bs and yearly trips to Branson. They wintered in Port Aransas, Texas, where they were surrounded by a wonderful community of friends. Marlene’s grandchildren will remember her for her endless supply of sweet treats, Knox Jell-O bars, macaroni, Sunday night popcorn and meaningful conversations. She cherished gathering with friends and family, yearly shopping trips with daughters and get togethers with beloved cousins. She will be missed by many. Marlene was loved by an abundance of family. She is survived by her husband, Larry Kester of Marshalltown; her three children, Debra