Marlene Reeve

ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Marlene Dorothy (Yocom) Reeve, age 89, passed away on November 17, 2025, at Quiet Oaks Hospice, in St. Cloud, Minn.  

Marlene was born on August 30, 1936, in Watertown, S.D., the first girl after four boys, to Raymond and Marge Yocom. Marlene would become the role model for her younger four sisters using her skill and creativity to style each one’s hair for photos and special events. Eventually, she worked as a hairstylist for a few years. Marlene excelled and immensely enjoyed studying math during her school years. She was proud of the fact that she “out mathed” the boys. Marlene was a lifelong learner, ever curious about current events, social causes, and the natural world. The more she learned the more her compassion grew, inspiring her to become a generous donor to food banks, Salvation Army, and PBS to name a few.

Marlene married Bud Reeve on January 1, 1973. It was an unexpected quiet romance. Their marriage was built on shared values, deep mutual caring, and true-blue friendship. After Bud’s passing, there wasn’t a day that Marlene didn’t miss him dearly.  

She was a valued employee of General Casualty Insurance for 30 years, retiring in 1998.

Marlene was an accomplished sewer. She expertly adapted patterns to create stylish and custom fit clothing for herself and Bud. Early in her retirement, she and Bud became avid and talented gardeners, growing all manners of vegetables. Even after she stopped sewing and gardening, Marlene would reminisce about her garden and her standout sewing projects. Most of her nieces and nephews and several siblings have fond memories of all the hours Marlene spent treading water in Lake Kampeska while teaching them to waterski. She had a fantastically patient and confidence boosting presence. A true gem.

A year after Bud died in 2009, Marlene moved to St. Cloud, Minn., to be closer to two of her sisters. Over the next 15 years, the sisters enjoyed road trips to visit family, took frequent outings to procure jigsaw puzzles to feed their shared pastime, and more generally supported each other daily through the aging journey. Marlene never missed an opportunity to remind everyone how much she cherished those years. It cannot be overstated how passionate she was about her family. Eight months prior to entering hospice, Marlene transitioned into assisted living along with one of her sisters, where she developed many friendships, thoroughly enjoyed the prepared meals, and housekeeping and laundry services. Her time in hospice was very comfortable, much of the time she continued to puzzle and visit with family. During her short decline, the family remained ever present to offer comfort. She died peacefully with her sister, JoAnne, at her side. Marlene will be deeply missed.

Marlene is survived by her siblings, A.L. Yocom, Vern Yocom, Deanna Lund, Elaine Hanson, JoAnne Yocom and Bob Yocom; stepson, Dave Reeve; five step grandchildren; and a whole lot of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry “Bud” Reeve; stepdaughter, Marsha Reeve; stepson, Denny Reeve, parents, Raymond and Marge Yocom; and siblings, Raymond Yocom, Jerald Yocom, Ken Yocom and Janice Helstad.

A celebration of life will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK MAUSOLEUM, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Brunch will follow at a nearby restaurant, with location TBD.

A special thank you to Quiet Oaks Hospice for their compassionate care, undivided attention, and dedication to providing Marlene with a peaceful departure. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420