MADISON - Marlene Van Dyk, age 87, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She was born on March 22, 1939, in Madison, the daughter of Frank and Dorothy (Ophime) Rickey.

Marlene graduated from Madison East High School in 1957. She was united in marriage to Lambertus Van Dyk on February 14, 1959, in Madison, where they raised their family. She was a homemaker, filling her children’s lives with warmth and love. She also worked for Rayovac, then Wisconsin Telephone Company, followed by Motor Vehicle Department and lastly the State of Wisconsin as administrative assistant.

In her younger years, Marlene enjoyed camping and going up North to their property. She was a part of bowling leagues, and she loved dancing. She always decorated the house for the holidays, and she treasured being with her family for any event. Marlene also LOVED to shop, and she would often visit with her neighbors. She liked playing horseshoes, poker and other card games at family events, and she was a huge Packers fan. She and Lambertus travelled all throughout the U.S. together, and they had many great stories to share. In her later years, Marlene enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles, and she watched Jeopardy faithfully and would answer the questions before the contestants.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Lambertus; children, Gayelynn (James) Plaster, Cornelis "Casey" Van Dyk, Daniel (Deborah) Van Dyk and Shelly (Adam Sauter) Schmelzer; grandchildren, Stacy (Eric) Levenhagen, Darcy (Andrew Schmidt) Bloom, Jennifer (Justin) Perttunen, Jackie Van Dyk, Jamie Van Dyk, Aidan (Chantel) Van Dyk, Mikaela (Jared) Berger, Alexus (Jake Woodrow) Schmelzer and Kaven Schmelzer; step grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Hein and Amy Godfrey; 20 great-grandchildren, with another expected in October; brothers, Richard Rickey and Frank "Butch" Rickey; and sisters, Judith Lockwood and Dawn (Wayne) Neibuhr.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Jeremy Schmelzer; brother, Robert Rickey; and brother-in-law, Jim Lockwood.

A graveside service will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, followed by a celebration of life at VFW POST 8343, County Road CV, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Marlene Van Dyk

March 22, 1939 - July 21, 2026

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