Marlene Ann Overpeck, Age: 83
May 22, 1941---Aug 26, 2024

Marlene Ann Overpeck of Lenexa, Kansas, formerly of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away on August 26, 2024. She was 83. Born on May 22, 1941 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Geary and Rita McKinnon, she was a proud Canadian until her family moved to the United States.  She was in high school when they settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Marlene became a Christian in her teenage years.  Edina Baptist Church was walking distance from her family home.  While there, Bob Overpeck saw her from the choir loft and raced out to ask her on a date once the service ended. “He chased me until I caught him” she often said, but it was really Bob’s persistence. They adored each other, marrying in 1962 and raising three children in Edina, Minnesota.

Marlene’s adventuresome spirit made working in the travel industry a natural “fit”. She first became a stewardess with Capitol Airlines (who later merged with United) and quickly transferred to Reservations. Her favorite job was working from home as a travel agent with Mainline Travel and later at the airport checking in charter groups with MLT Vacations. The family traveled all over the world by car, airplane, train, and even a Winnebago… once!

When Bob retired, they rehabbed several houses, taking what they had done for years with their own homes to a larger scale. She always saw the potential and Bob had the skills--electrical engineering and carpentry, plumbing, tiling all made her visions into beautiful spaces— on a thrifty budget. She was the queen of finding “deals” … for anything! Marlene enjoyed decorating and made each home of hers (and many others) a warm nest.

Marlene loved to serve people, whether it was helping remodel homes, decorating spaces they wanted refreshed or locating houses they wanted to purchase. She found it rewarding to help others find happiness in their surroundings.  Any church they attended, Marlene was involved: praying for people, teaching Sunday school, parent help for youth group events, planning parties for their Sunday school class, or organizing tropical destination Christian trips for couples. She touched so many lives in clever and meaningful ways. Never without some humor.

For 63 years Marlene lived within a 10-mile radius of the Twin Cities. Two years ago, they moved to Lenexa, Kansas—choosing a location close to their daughter, Terryl and her family, and Lenexa Baptist Church. The area and the church quickly felt like home.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob, her daughters, Terryl Scarbrough (Kole) and Mara Swanson (Chris), and son, Greg Overpeck (Emily), sister, Sherryl Hendrickson (Eden Prairie, MN), and brothers Ron & Brian McKinnon (Virginia) and her grandchildren, Tyler, Colin, Sara, Noah, Tatum, Lydia and Ryan, who lit up her life.

A Celebration of Life was held for Marlene on Saturday, August 31 at 11:00 am. Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Marlene on Thursday, Nov. 21st, 11:00 am at Wooddale Church in the Great Room. 6630 Shady Oak Rd, Eden Prairie, MN.  A livestream available at https://wooddale.org/events/

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wooddale Church, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, or Lenexa Baptist Church.

https://wooddale.onlinegiving.org/donate/guest_donate?#!/
https://billygraham.org/checkout/give-honor-memorial.php
https://lenexabaptist.com/giving/


Condolences

Donna Lundborg Aug 30, 2024

Friend for over 50 years ,Bloomington ,Minnesota

Dear Bob, Terryl, Mara and Greg: There are no words to express the shock and sadness of Marlene’s passing. Many special times with her through the years cross my mind. Many flashbacks of fun times laughing with a shared sense of humor over something that others might not have thought funny. I guess they’re called inside jokes. Those times are the way I will always remember her. I miss my friend but know it won’t be long until I’ll see her AND my sweet husband who died 3 years ago. May God’s presence be felt by you all. Sent with lots of love! Donna Lundborg

JoVonne Aug 31, 2024

Friend ,Nashville ,Tennessee

Marlene was a dear friend to my mother at a time when many others rejected her. She remained a friend for life. Marlene was a rare example of a loving and truly nonjudgemental Christian. She made the world a better place.

Julie & Lowell Johnson Aug 31, 2024

forever friend ,Bloomington ,Minnesota

Our hearts are sad for Marlene’s dear family. Marlene is rejoicing with Jesus, so we know we will see her again. May our Lord comfort you with that promise.

Lynn Fleener Aug 31, 2024

Friend ,Eden Prairie ,Minnesota

Dearest Overpeck Family, Sending warm and loving thoughts and prayers at Marlene’s home-going. What a blessing to know her. She had such a vibrant love for life and for people! Though Marlene is rejoicing in the presence of Jesus, I know there is grieving for each of you. May Jesus comfort and sustain you as we all wait for the great reunion. With lots of love, Lynn Fleener

Donna Aug 31, 2024

Friend for over 50+ years ,Bloomington ,Minnesota

Dear Bob, Terryl, Mara and Greg: It is with a heart of sadness and shock that I send you a note expressing my condolences. Marlene’s passing brings back a flood of memories - many of them related to shared humor that others wouldn’t “get!” Her smile and laughter are already missed. I’m praying God’s for peace and presence for you all during these days of adjustment to life without your precious wife/mother. Donna Lundborg

Yvonne Christensen Aug 31, 2024

Friend ,Edina ,Minnesota

My dear sister in Christ. You were such a dear friend for 50+ years and we had such wonderful, fun adventures together, travel, teas, lunches, dinners, most of all Christian fellowship. I so admired your decorating skills and Bob's assistance whenever I had questions you were right there to help me. Now I know you will invite all those who had gone before you for English Teas, and now our heavenly father wll sit at the HEAD TABLE. I will be joining your shortly so save a spot next to you for tea. May God's presence be with the family at this time and peace be unto all. Lovingly, Yvonne

Doris Froderman Sackley Sep 09, 2024

Childhood neighbor and fellow church member ,Rockford ,Illinois

My deepest sympathy to Bob and all the family. I never had the privilege of meeting Marlene but spoke to her a few times after losses of Bob’s family. In speaking with Carolyn Thompson, I know that Marlene was a wonderful, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to all. Having a lifetime of wonderful memories, I hope all those memories will ease the pain of losing her.

Dawn Sheppard Sep 10, 2024

Friend ,Dunlap ,Tennessee

Marlene literally knew me my entire life. Her bright, sunny disposition brought joy into any room she entered. I amused her, too, because whenever she saw me, she would remind me of my childhood mispronunciation of the word umbrella. Even in my 60s, I was her "burella girl." I am genuinely sad to know she is not on this earth anymore. She was one of my favorites!

Mary Skillings Sep 28, 2024

Friend ,Edina ,Minnesota

We met Marlene and Bob through Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. Just had so many wonderful times with both of them going out for brunch and one time she had us over to their lovely home that they had in Eden prairie. Was getting Christmas cards from her and updating us and what was going on in her family. What a loss she will be to many people. Sympathy to the family.