Marlene Fay Hansen (Svanda)

Marlene Fay (Svanda) Hansen passed away peacefully on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Sunset Manor in Irene, South Dakota.
Marlene was born on July 3, 1941 to Thomas and Tillie (Kucera) Svanda. Marlene’s first love was also born on that date, her twin sister, Marcene May, who is 15 minutes older. They joined their half-brother, Melvin Vellek, and lived on a farm near Tyndall, South Dakota.
Marlene and Marcene will have a forever, special twin love and connection that is deep and beyond understanding. The girls were always seen wearing matching outfits. Even years later, when they didn’t plan or discuss their clothing for an outing together, they would often show up with the same outfit.
Marlene attended various country schools and then graduated from the Tyndall High School as valedictorian in 1959. Her twin sister, Marcene, was the salutatorian.
After high school, Marlene attended the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Yankton, SD and graduated in 1962. She moved to Mitchell and worked as a Registered Nurse at Queen of Peace hospital for a brief time and then moved back to Tyndall where she worked at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Although they had only met briefly in the past, in August of 1963, Darrell had a strong sense that he was supposed to drive to Tyndall and find Marlene. He found her working at the hospital. They dated a short time and were married on December 21, 1963 at the Tyndall Methodist Church.
After Darrell and Marlene were married, they lived in Irene, South Dakota their entire 55 years of marriage. Marlene was a lifelong member of the United Methodist churches of Tyndall and Irene. Marlene worked as a registered nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital, Viborg Memorial Hospital, Sunset Manor of Irene, the State of South Dakota, and the Turner County Health Nurse. She cared for others, until it was time for others to care for her.
She was nurturing and loving to others her entire life, especially with her family. Grateful for sharing her life are her husband, Darrell and their three children all of Irene: Beth (Gregg) Davis, Brian Hansen, and Brendon (Sara) Hansen. Marlene adored her grandchildren: Matthew (Brittani) Davis, Katey (Nick) Rempp, Kersten (Pete) Hansen, Scott Davis, Matt Hansen, Olivia, Noah, AJ, and Jacob Hansen. Marlene was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Brady and Gunnar Davis, Cooper and Cora Wolcott-Young, and Ava Rempp.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Irene Avera Sunset Manor memorial fund. For obituary and online condolences, visit hansenfuneralhome.com