Marleen Elna Urback

Marleen Elna Urback passed away July 10, 2026 in Wilmore, Kentucky. She was 92. She struggled for many years with dementia, but now her mind is clear and bright.

Marleen was born in Red Wing, Minnesota on April 29, 1934. Her parents were farmers in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. She attended Minnehaha Academy for high school and received degrees in education from St. Paul Bible College, St. Cloud State University and the University of Miami.

Marleen was a beloved elementary school teacher. She comforted crying children in her red wicker rocking chair and led kids in song while playing the piano. She spent most of her career teaching first grade at Balboa Elementary School in the Republic of Panama.

Marleen’s Christian faith defined her the most. She met her husband, Leonard, while she was the youth director at Barnum, Minnesota’s Methodist Church. They were married for 66 years. 

Marleen served on the board and sang in the choir at Crossroads Bible Church in Panama for many years. She is survived by her husband Leonard Urback of Wilmore, Kentucky, son Mark Urback of Houston, Texas, daughter Anita Haddock (Ralph) of Lexington, Kentucky, and daughter Julie Thro (William), and eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

We all look forward to hearing her belly laugh and seeing her smile again in heaven. Dementia steals so many things like belly laughs and smiles. We praise God for her faithful life and for the promise of resurrected bodies and eternal life. 

There will be a memorial service held at Wesley Village Community Center in Wilmore, Kentucky, at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, Fl. 32862.