Marlene Jean Straughan

It is with both a heavy heart and fond memories that we announce the passing of Marlene Jean Straughan, a delightful force of nature who left us on November 3, 2025, in Colorado. Born in Kansas on April 1, 1937 to William and Mary Vondenkamp along with her brothers Jim, Jerry, Paul, Dick and sister Ruby. Marlene embodied the spirit of joy and laughter, a true April Fool’s baby who spread silliness wherever she went.

A proud graduate of the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor’s in Education. Marlene was a devoted wife to her husband of 51 years, Jimmie Straughan, and a loving mother to her daughters, Lisa Hogan and Michele Hovet and son-in-law Mitch Hovet. She embraced her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother with passion, delighting in the antics of her grandson Cole Hovet, granddaughters Heather Young and Thea Hund, grandsons in-law Hunter Young and Eric Hund, and her great-grandsons Rhyatt Hovet and Aceston Young.

Family meals were a delight, often marked by Marlene's knack for turning even the simplest meails into laughter-filled feasts. With a love for good jokes and a side-eye for just the right punchline, she made sure no one left the table without a smile. 

Marlene not only loved her immediate family, but was also known for her warm conversations with neighbors as they passed by, always quick to offer a bright smile and a generous wave. Her passion was golf with Jimmie and friends at Red Rocks Country Club in Morrison Colorado. 

A small family service will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on December 26, 2025 to honor her life and she will be placed with her husband Jimmie Straughan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marlene's name to your favorite charity or food bank. 

Though Marlene has left us, the lessons she taught and the laughter she shared will remain with us forever. Let's celebrate her life with the same joy she brought to ours—full of love, humor, and the occasional witty remark