Marlene Brovelli

Marlene Brovelli

January 28, 1942 - June 10, 2026

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Obituary

LODI / MIDLETON - Marlene Brovelli, age 84, of Middleton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1942, in Leicester, England, the daughter of William and Gwendaline Wood.


Marlene married the love of her life, James “Jim” Brovelli on August 31, 1962, and was especially proud to become a naturalized citizen of the U.S. She and Jim spent many years together in Oglesby, Ill., before moving around to live in various places throughout the Midwestern U.S. as Jim was transferred with his career. After several moves, they settled in the Madison, Wis., area during the late 1970's. Marlene worked at McFarland High School for 25 years before retiring in June 2000.


Marlene was an avid volunteer at the Lodi Community Center, and she loved playing cards and visiting casinos. She and Jim spent much of their time in retirement traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad, going on all sorts of adventures together. She was always very involved in her family's lives and accomplishments, and she loved attending her grandchildren's events.


Marlene is survived by her husband, James Brovelli; children, Karen (Ken) Valenza, Dwayne Brovelli and Julie (Mike) O'Leary; grandson, Derek (Kristin) Valenza; granddaughters, Kayla O'Leary (Quentin Clemens), Sarah O'Leary and Anna O'Leary; great-grandchild, Daniel Valenza; sister, Patricia Piggins of South Australia; sister, Glenda Piggins of South Australia; and brother, Malcolm Wood of Leicester, England; plus many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Gwendaline Wood.


She will be forever loved, missed and remembered for the one question she asked: "Would you like a cup of tea?" A private memorial service will be held.


Memorials may be made to Reach Out Lodi, 601 Clark St., Lodi, WI 53555. https://reachoutlodi.com


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

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Marlene
AB
A Memorial Tree was planted for Marlene Brovelli
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
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Carol Conlin
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As Marlene’s sister-in-law I have many memories. Although we lived far apart for years, whenever we were together it’s like time didn’t change. We would go to casinos and sit side by side at her favorite slots, play cards as partners against Jim and my husband, and, in the early years, woke up with hangovers. My impression of Marlene is she loved Jim, but her kids and grandkids were her pride and joy. She knew how to talk to kids and was very comfortable with them. Marlene will be missed!
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RS
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May this tree grow as full as Marlenes life was
MB
Merlin Balke
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Deepest condolences from Merle, Erika and Rachel.
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Sally
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My dad was the baby of the family and he adored his three older sisters. Despite living miles apart we’ve shared some amazing memories over the years and some wonderful times together. Aunt Marlene was always there for my dad, when my mum died and more recently when dad became unwell. We’d often FaceTime to have a catch up and whenever possible dad was part of this. You’ll be very sadly missed by us all. We love you loads xxx
LC
Linda Count
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So sorry to hear of your sad loss. To us Marlene was a foce to be reckoned with. Glad we had a chance to catch up on face time last year (Ta Sal) Sending our condolences to Jim and family. All our love Linda and Sheila (the girls from Rotherham)

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