August 27, 1934 – October 29, 2025
Marlene Ann Tvedt, 91, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away October 29, 2025 at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.
Marlene was born August 27, 1934 in Iowa City, Iowa, daughter of Bural and Vivian (Barr) Eppens. She graduated from Mason City High School with the class of 1953. She and her husband had traveled often during his time in the service, but Mason City was always home. The job that held her heart was working as a nurse’s aid at the I.O.O.F Home in Mason City. Taking care of people was her passion. She retired at the age of 71 after working for them for nearly a decade.
Cooking and baking were among her greatest passions, and nothing brought her more joy than sharing her creations with family and friends. Her kitchen was always filled with the comforting aroma of something delicious in the oven — and her famous brownies were a family favorite that everyone looked forward to. She loved dogs and doted on them just as well as any other member of the family.
She also had a deep love for plants, especially cacti, which she nurtured with care and pride. In quieter moments, she could often be found curled up with a good western romance novel or challenging someone to a spirited game of Scrabble or cards. When teaching her children how to play, she never let them win easily — believing that the sweetest victories were the ones earned through perseverance and practice.
Her love of words and reading became a hallmark of who she was. Family and friends often called her to ask how to spell a tricky word, confident that she would know the answer. Indeed, she seemed to have an unending well of knowledge, warmth, and wisdom — qualities that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Mick Abendroth, Donald Abendroth, Jayne Peterson, David Abendroth, Terry Abendroth, and Scott Abendroth; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; sister, Diane Sanchez; brother, Duane Eppens; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Bural and Vivian; son, Steven Abendroth; brother, Dennis Eppens; and sister Carolee Mejia.
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