Marlene Anna Damme, 73 passed into the arms of the Lord on May 1, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born to Glen and Maggie Behrens on November 17, 1934 at home near Talmage. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's United Church of Christ (McWilliams). Marlene graduated as valedictorian from Syracuse High School in 1952 and went on to teach in a rural school near Syracuse for two years before going to college. She graduated with distinction from the Nebraska State Teacher's College at Peru in 1959. Her teaching career took her to Ames, IA for two years before she moved back to Talmage, NE. On June 6, 1961, she married the love of her life, Alfred Damme, Jr. at Bethel United Church of Christ in Nebraska City, NE. She taught school at District 40, rural Talmage for one year before leaving to raise her family.

Marlene worked hard on the farm, planting a huge garden every year and helping with everything from livestock to driving truck. She volunteered countless hours teaching Sunday School at McWilliams Church, was a leader in the Busy Bees 4-H Club, enjoyed the social aspects of the Syr-Mc-Del extension club and worked election results for the Talmage Election Commission. Marlene was an avid letter writer, corresponding regularly with friends and family. Her children received a letter from home nearly every week while in college and during the early years of their marriages. In later years, after moving from the family farm to an acreage near Syracuse, Marlene volunteered with the Food Bank in Syracuse and enjoyed baking cookies with her grandchildren and tending her flowers.

She is survived by her Husband, Alfred Damme of Syracuse, NE; Children: Kathi Janssen and husband Don of Lincoln, NE; Becky Lechner and husband Mike of Norfolk, NE; Doug Damme and wife Victoria of Talmage, NE; Grandchildren: Rachel, Ashley & Haley Janssen; Larissa & Jared Lechner, Hilarie & Neil Damme; Sister: Glenis Gornik and husband Joe of Modesto, CA; Brother-in-law: Duane & Donna Damme of Talmage, NE; Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Brother, Mervin Behrens; granddaughter, Madison Damme

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John's United Church of Christ (McWilliams) near Talmage.

Visitation to sign the register book will be on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 A.M. until Noon and Sunday, May 4th from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Damme Family

Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 269-2441