Marlene Josephine Gebhardt, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, at her home in Waltham, Minn., after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on Oct. 26, 1932, in rural DuPage County, Ill., to Edward and Frances (Rehs) Armbrust. Marlene grew up in Wheaton, Ill., where she graduated from Wheaton High School in 1950. After high school, she married William Gebhardt on Aug. 22, 1953, in West Chicago, Ill. They were happily married for 59 years. After marrying, Marlene spent the next two years in Colorado with William, while he served in the army, then they returned to West Chicago where they farmed and raised their family. In 1974, Marlene, William and family moved to their current residence in Waltham.

Marlene was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Waltham. She enjoyed listening to country music, following NASCAR racing, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and helping operate the family farm. Marlene’s greatest joy in her life was the time she spent raising her four children and adoring her seven grandchildren. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Frances Armbrust; her brother, Glenn Armbrust; and an infant son.

Marlene is survived by her husband, William of Waltham; her sons, Michael (Barbara) Gebhardt of Waltham, Robert (Lois) Gebhardt of Waltham, James Gebhardt of Waltham and David (Melissa) Gebhardt of Shoreview, Minn; her grandchildren, Rick, Randy and Ryan Gebhardt, Kate and Dan Gebhardt, and Alexandra and Thomas Gebhardt; and her nephews and nieces, Glenn Armbrust Jr., Gary Armbrust, Debbie Bernau, Denise Sellevold and Diane Rhinerson.

Visitation will be held at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 Second St. NW, Hayfield, Minn., from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 57043 300th St., Waltham at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. Burial will follow at the cemetery of Trinity Lutheran Church. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to charities of the contributor’s choice.

Blessed be her memory. www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com