Marlene Byrne

Marlene Jeanette Byrne, age 74, of Siren, WI, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2015. Marlene was born in Superior, WI, on May 6, 1941, daughter of Mylan B. and Serine A. (Olson) Gjessing. She attended public schools in Superior and was a 1959 graduate of Superior Central High School. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior for two years. On February 9, 1963, Marlene was united in marriage to Emmett P. “Buzz” Byrne at Concordia Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Superior. She initially worked for Travelers Insurance Co. in Minneapolis, MN, and later she was employed as a part-time office assistant for the Siren School District. Marlene was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren, and often assisted with funeral luncheons. She also helped the Siren Lions Club at various events over the years. Marlene loved traveling with Buzz, visiting places all over the world and throughout the United States. They also had a great time on ship cruises. Reading and solving crossword puzzles are just few of the activities she enjoyed doing at home. She also loved ice cream. Marlene was known for her strong will and spirited personality. She loved the Lord and enjoyed helping others. She was caring, adventurous, and had a great sense of humor. Most of all, Marlene was dedicated to her family and adored her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband, Buzz; a daughter and son-in-law, Colleen “Kelly” and Norman Heier; a son and daughter-in-law, Allan and Julie Byrne; four grandchildren: Tara (Michael) Berger, Shane (Emily) Heier, Matthew Byrne, and Cameron Byrne; a great-grandson, Xavier Berger; a sister, Judith Burton; as well as two cousins who were like siblings to her, Patricia (Seegar) Swanson and George (Laurene) Hutchison. Marlene is also survived by brothers-in-law: Bill (Marj) Byrne, Bob (Martha) Byrne, Bud (Cecelia) Byrne, and Tom Byrne; sisters-in-law, Beth Byrne and Elizabeth Schutt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. After forty seven years in Siren, Marlene also leaves behind many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mylan and Serine Gjessing; brothers-in-law: John Burton, Walter Byrne, and Harry Schutt; and a sister-in-law, Doris Byrne. The memorial service honoring the life of Marlene Byrne will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 24096 1st Ave., Siren, WI, with Pastor Paul A. Peterson officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Siren, WI.