Obituary for Marleen Stello

Marleen Ann (Thielker) Stello, 85 of Mindoro passed away from this life and was reborn into eternal life December 29th, 2020 peacefully at her home. She was born on the family farm in Russlan Coulee in Barre Mills on August 25th, 1935 to Fritz and Elgia (Lang) Thielker. “Leeny” was baptized September 17th, 1935 and later confirmed on April 10th, 1949 at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church in Barre Mills Wis. Her confirmation verse reflects her life and her faith in god. Revelations 2:10 “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” She lived by this verse faithfully, having had a beautiful and full life. Marleen was a graduate from West Salem High School Class of 1953. After graduation she met a strapping young man by the name of “Art” Stello, at a wedding, where she accidentally spilt a drink in front of him while serving as a waitress. They met several times again at other weddings, and while dating, had a reserved table whenever they needed at the Avalon Dance Hall. She later became his bride on June 1st 1954, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Barre Mills, WI. She and Arthur lived for a short time in Pleasant Valley and soon moved to Burr Oak Wis, to a beautiful hilltop farm that they later named “High Acres View Farm”. Marleen was engaged in the daily farm work next to her husband for many years. She enjoyed looking after the cats, calves, and animals on the farm; and was also known as the local “egg lady”. She took great care of a garden full of veggies and flowers every year. She enjoyed cooking and baking. She always made sure that whomever visited the farm never left hungry. Her greatest joy was doting over her grandchildren, and later in life a great grandchild. Her cut out cookies, green globs, sandbakkels, krumkake, rosettes, flat-bread, and many more treats were the favorites at Christmas time. There wasn’t a daily Sudoku from the paper that was safe. She wouldn’t quit until she had it solved, and then would move onto a word search; once those were both completed, she moved onto reading her books that she received from her good friends. She was also known for her beautiful embroidery and miscellaneous sewing projects. Marleen was a pillar of patience, sustained by her deep faith. Some even called her a saint. She also was a strong willed and independent person, but that comes from being a farmer’s wife. Marleen was a caring, tender, and sweet lady. She was a specialand loving woman to many. Marleen was a devout member of the Christ Evangelical Church of Burr Oak Wis. She served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Christ Evangelical Church Women of Christ, and on their sewing circle. She was a 4-H Leader for many years for the local Burr Oak 4-H Club. She enjoyed the Best of Show Ribbon that she earned for her baking, and many Blue ribbons in her embroidery and floral entries at the La Crosse Interstate Fair. She was also a member of the La Crosse County Homemakers, La Crosse County Porkettes, ABS Bowling Wives Club, and the La Crosse County Farm Bureau. Marleen was the “Rock and Glue” that held the Stello family together. We will miss her dearly, but hold our memories in our hearts. We love you very much. Marleen is survived by her 5 children, Arlan (Carmen) Stello, Marla Stello, Lynette (Merle) Storlie, Brent (Heather) Stello, and Ryan Stello; her 5 grandchildren, Tyler (Jenn) Stello, Stephanie (Cody) Bettis, Ann Storlie, Danica Stello, and Brock Stello; 1 great-grandchild, Macy Marleen Stello; 1 future great-grandchild due in May; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur Stello; her brother, Verdell Thielker; brother-in-law, Edwin and his wife Sylvia Jandt. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private services will be held. A public visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem.