August 4, 1935 – April 18, 2026
Marlene Marie Sovereign, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at Regional Health Services of Howard County.
Born August 4, 1935, to Richard Jones and Ione (Dinger) Jones in rural Cresco. She attended school in Cresco, graduating in 1953. She married Wayne Sovereign on November 12, 1955, at United Methodist Church in Cresco and was proud to spend her life homemaking, gardening and being a Mom and Grandmother/Great Grandmother.
Known for her bright smile and kindness, she valued her time with friends and family and was an excellent host, no matter the occasion. She was always well known for providing delicious meals and treats for her family, such as her chocolate chip cookies, Indian bars and homemade potato salad.
Marlene was very involved with the Cresco community, including meeting up with her Saturday morning coffee group, playing bridge, volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary and participating in Cimota and the United Methodist Women’s Group.
She is survived by five children: Rick (Dee) Sovereign of Cresco, Steve Sovereign of Cresco, Lori (Rich) Davis of Morris, IL, Sue (Roger) Vick of Byron, MN and Jodi (Rob) Francis of West Des Moines, IA; seven grandchildren: Casi (Matt) Hackman, Brad (Stephanie) Sovereign, Bethany (Nate) Watson, Zach (Karlee) Davis, Grant (Abbey) Davis, Rachel (Nic) Enerson and Evan (Erin) Vick; and eight great grandchildren; two brothers John (Julie) Jones, Dick (Polly) and sister Jackie Strelow.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Sovereign; her parents Richard and Ione Jones; sister Jennifer Squires; brother-in-law Lowell Sovereign; sister-in-law & brother in-law Connie & Kent Markham; brother-in-law Roger Strelow; nephew Brian Sovereign and great nephew Jameson Wandro.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco (formerly Lindstrom’s). Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Cresco United Methodist Church, with a visitation one hour prior to services at the church on Friday morning.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cresco United Methodist Church, Evans Senior Living Community or New Oregon Cemetery.
lindstromfuneralhomes.com