Marlene V. Bauer, age 76, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, died Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Belmont Village in Carol Stream, IL. She was born April 19, 1943 in Chicago, IL.

Marlene was born in Chicago but at an early age she, her mother and father and her little sister, Arlene moved to one of Chicago's many suburbs. She attended a small, parochial elementary school and graduated with a class of only twelve. Marlene and Larry met in high school, became high school sweethearts and married in 1964. After marriage Marlene worked to put Larry through law school and continued working as he started his law practice. Wendy and Todd followed soon thereafter. Once Marlene became a mother, she left the outside workforce for more important work. She gave her children the help and guidance they needed to grow into the 2 fine adults they are today. Then it was back to the workforce. Starting as secretary in a small real estate office. Then into accounting and finally into payroll and human resources for an international manufacturing company. She enjoyed her work so much that she resisted Larry's urging her to retire for several years. Then she found the joys of travel. She and Larry were constantly going somewhere. London. Paris. European River Cruises. Egypt. Russia. Turkey. And finally, Italy. But then Alzheimer's Disease found Marlene. The disease made travel too difficult for her. Her life became all about home care and then day care. Finally, her needs dictated a permanent care setting in a memory care facility. The disease took its time but each day it took a little more of her from us. And each day we missed her a little more. The final months, weeks, days and hours became more and more difficult for her and those who loved her. And now she can rest.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Larry Bauer of Wheaton, IL; two children, Wendy (David) Piersall of Woodstock, IL, and Todd (Leslie) Bauer of Wheaton, IL; five grandchildren, Cassidy, Ethan, Lianna, Jacob and Avery; and five nieces and nephews, Amy, Martin, Eric, Craig and Curtis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sheldon and Marion Boike; and her sister, Arlene Hawley.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Alzheimer's Association , 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.