Marlene Brich

Marlene E. Brich, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home while surrounded by her family on September 22, 2024.

She was born June 5, 1948 to Anthony and Mary (Bissen) Bruck in Earling, IA. Marlene graduated from Saint Joseph in Earling. She was married to Francis "Butch" Brich and together they had 7 children. 

Marlene's life centered around raising children, including her own seven kids, 25 grandkids, an ever growing number of great-grandchildren, and hundreds of kids during her decades of operating an in-home daycare. 

She was happiest when her entire family was together, arguing, laughing, and playing cards. She played to win, whether it was at the casino in Vegas or around her kitchen table against one of her grandkids. 

She was always ready to give advice, which may not always have been appropriate. She sat through hours of her grandchildren's sporting events, in the heat or cold, and the fact she may not have understood what was happening never deterred her from cheering.

She spent the last decade of her life battling cancer, which made her time with family even more valuable. 

Marlene lived a life full of love and a life well-lived. She will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis "Butch" Brich; granddaughter, Emily Miller; son-in-law, Andy Gunderson; siblings, Irma Tierney, Lucille Ausdemore, Walter Bruck, Melvin Bruck, and Duane Bruck.

Marlene is survived by her children, Kristi (Scott) Miller, Chad Brich, Linda Gunderson, Curt (Kristie) Brich, Janet (Shane) Thonvold, Craig (Kristina) Brich, and Amy (Brian) Skow; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; husband, Ronald Arrick; nieces, and nephews; siblings: Delbert (Yvonne) Bruck, Marian Wellman, Sylvia (Dennis) Gaul, Ralph (Joan) Bruck; sisters in law: Marilea Bruck and Cheryl Bruck; a host of other family and friends. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. 

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Interment will be in the Saint Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Neola, Iowa. The family will direct memorials.