Marlene Jean Sward, age 84, of Appleton, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Aspire Assisted living in Kimberly, surrounded by her family.  She was born on April 22, 1938, to the late Vernon Sr. and Eloise (Blink) Learman.  Marlene worked for many years as an engineer for the telephone company.  She enjoyed golfing, watching the packers, playing sheepshead and cribbage, but most of all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Marlene is survived by her children: Mark (Tamara) Smudde, Jay (Jayne) Smudde, Ed (Tammy) Smudde, and Lynn (Tim) Schwartzkopf; her brothers: Lloyd (Joyce) Learman, James Learman, Robert Learman, Bruce (Pat) Learman, Rick Learman, William (Jackie) Learman, and sisters: Helen Harris, Rose (Rusty) Kloes, Darla (Daryl) Collar, and Mary (Dan) Dahl; 8 grandchildren: Jason, Stephanie (Tony), Jessica (Joe) Ashlee, Adam (Maria), Daniel (Laryssa), Emily and Sara (Colby); 11 great-grandchildren: Daemeon, Katie, Jon, Alexis, Aiden, Marcus, Emmett, Marin, Krystal, Kaleb and Zabian; and many other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband's Leo Smudde and Richard Sward; brothers Vernon Learman, Jr., Norman Learman and Robert Dwaine; and one granddaughter Melissa Smudde.

A Memorial Service for Marlene will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton.  Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Aspire Senior Living and Promedica Hospice for the great care they gave to our mother.