Marlene Rose Fernung , age 85 and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by her family at Copper Trace Senior Living in Westfield.  It may have been a day like countless others for many, but for Marlene's family it was a precious time of saying goodbye.  Marlene was born in Elwood, Indiana on February 6,1940 to Ruby (Bodell) and Walter Manis.  She never felt the need to move far from her beloved Hoosier roots.

After graduating from Wendell L. Wilkie High School in 1957, Marlene attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City.  On a beautiful summer day in June of 1960, she married Lester J. Fernung. She and Lester raised four wonderful sons; Steve (Mary), Ken (Michelle), Keith (Trisha), and Mark who gave her 13 grandchildren, Jacinta (Jim Perkinson), Kegan (Lauren), Hannah, Conlan (Ashlee), Stephen, Brigid, Colleen, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Megan (Zach Miller), Adam (Erin), Lydia, and Walter.  Who gave her 11 great-grandchildren: Desmond, Soren, and Asher Perkinson, Blake, Michael, Paislee, Finn, Sage, Betsy Miller, Max and Cecilia. What a family legacy!

Marlene held various positions over decades employed by Indiana Bell, Burke Pharmacy, Mercy Hospital, and last retired from Elwood Family Medicine.  Through her generous support of St. Vincent Mercy Hospital, she was a long-standing member of the Landon Guild.  Additionally, she was an active Associate of the Congregation of St. Joseph.  Of all her achievements in various endeavors, it is motherhood that has been the dearest to her heart.  She was deeply proud of her four sons and the two generations of their children.

Marlene loved to travel, grow flowers and don some pretty cool hats.  She will be remembered best for her wit, devotion to her faith, and ever-present sense of humor.  Few things gave her greater pleasure than laughter, the best medicine for a good life.

Her family remembers her best for her unconditional love and concern.  They recall her checking in with them to see how their day was going, trying to be a matchmaker for the grandchildren and vividly sharing stories of her past.  Marlene was always there with a smile and a laugh. Through all of this, her compassion for family losses and triumphs were her hallmark.  Marlene was preceded in death by her infant son, James Anthony Fernung; brother, Larry Manis; parents; husband; and granddaughter, Hannah Fernung.

Marlene leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and a steadfast belief in the power of the human spirit. She was a tower of inner strength that navigated life's challenges with unwavering grace. Marlene will live on through her family and friends as they retell her funny stories and recall her baking talents as well as her sweet tooth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026 at St. Joseph Church in Elwood with Father Adam Mauman officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am to 11:30 am on Friday prior to the funeral mass at St. Joseph Church.  A Rosary Service will precede the mass at 11:30 am at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Church Building Fund.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.