Marlene Kasten, age 87, a resident of Wheaton, IL, formerly of Elmhurst, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She was born September 15, 1933 in Chicago to Francis and Helen Kujawski.

Marlene grew up in Chicago and graduated from Resurrection High School in 1951. She married Russell Kasten on July 26, 1952. After raising five children in Elmhurst, she then began her career as a reporter and editor. She wrote for the Elmhurst Press, the Joliet Explorer and for corporate communications.

She enjoyed cooking, shopping and was an avid reader. She was an active volunteer at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensenville, IL while her children attended school. Most of all she loved spending time her family.

She is survived by five children, Annise Hawkinson of Glen Ellyn, IL, William (Karla) of Michigan, Robert of Boston, MA, Marybeth of Maple Grove, MN, and Barbara (George Valentin) Kasten of Wheaton, IL; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russ in 2018 and her sister, Linn Winters earlier this year.

A visitation will be held July 20, 2021 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, where a Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Private interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.