Marlene Ann Hautamaki, 89, of Markesan, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at The Remembrance Home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Marlene was born on October 16, 1935 the daughter of Victor and Mildred (Johnson) Dallman in Unity, Wisconsin. She graduated from Colby High School and went on to receive her nursing degree at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Marshfield, Wisconsin. On March 9, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) L. Hautamaki in Unity, Wisconsin. They were married for 47 years until Bob's death in 2004. With Bob working for the gas company, they lived in several cities until they moved to Markesan in 1965. With another transfer on the loom, Bob and Marlene decided to plant roots in Markesan and opened up Bob's Snack Shop.

Marlene was a member of the United Methodist Church in Markesan. She worked at several nursing homes throughout her career and worked well into her 70s. She was an extremely passionate, skilled and dedicated nurse. She retired from Parkview in Ripon, Wisconsin after many years as the Director of Nursing but just couldn't give it up. She also obtained a Nursing Home Administrator's license. After a couple years of working as a nursing consultant, Marlene was asked to work as an RN at Sheltered Village in Ripon, with the developmentally disabled residents. She spent 10 years there until her "forced" retirement when the home closed. Marlene had a special place in her heart for the residents (or as she called them "my kids") at Sheltered Village and always had a sparkle in her eyes when she talked about them.

Marlene's love for nursing was only topped by her love for her family and friends. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids and enjoyed hosting Friday night family dinners where she shared her memories of the past and kept everyone laughing with nursing stories. Many dinners were followed by a game of dominoes. Marlene enjoyed reading a good mystery novel, knitting, collecting recipe books (nearly 300), shopping, casino trips, helping at the Samaritan House, volunteering at church and keeping up with the latest in home and fashion trends. She was a skilled bridge player (very competitive) and was a member of several local bridge clubs. She had a love for baking which she learned from her mom and had a huge love for coffee! She had a great sense of humor and it was evident in the many antics during her membership with Bob in the Markesan IOOF (Internal Order of Fun)! Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she shopped all year long getting all the right bargains for her "leftover basket."

Marlene is survived by her sons Scott (Sandy) Hautamaki of Markesan and Jeff (Beth) Hautamaki of Green Lake; four grandchildren: Tyler (Courtney) Hautamaki of Ripon, Hannah Tarnow, Lia Hautamaki and Brina (Joel) Chinloy of Charleston, SC and three great-grandchildren: Ian, Jade and Hayden Hautamaki.  She is also survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Victor & Mildred Dallman, her husband Bob, her daughter-in-law Sandy, step-grandson LCpl. Ryan Cantafio and Steve Tarnow (Hannah's husband).

Per Marlene's wishes, no services will be held. A private family inurnment will take place at a later time in Colby, Wisconsin.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Markesan Resident Home - North Terrace where Marlene resided for five years and for the staff at The Remembrance Home in Beaver Dam, as well as staff from Hillside Hospice.  They all provided kind, compassionate care of Marlene.  Marlene was a very energetic woman (had to be from all the coffee!) who was always on the go. She really kept staff on their toes!

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.