Marlene Helen (Hicks) Waddell
Marlene Helen (Hicks) Waddell , Age 88
Marlene Helen (Hicks) Waddell, 88, passed away peacefully January 15, 2026, at her home in Baraboo, with family at her side. She was born to Howard C. & Alfreda C. (Haselwander) Hicks on May 11, 1937, at their home in Sauk City.
Marlene married Edward R. Waddell on June 23, 1962, at St. Aloysius Church in Sauk City, with Fr. Henry Kalschuer officiating. Born to this union are children Risa M., Wendy S., and Kenneth E., five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In their journeys together, Marlene and Ed celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary with a 10-day tour of Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Plus many east to west trips with friends throughout the United States by plane, train and automobile.
Throughout her career, she worked at many places including Farmers & Citizens Bank in Sauk City, First Wisconsin Bank in Madison, Bank of America in Los Angeles, Wilbur Johnson Insurance Agency in Baraboo, Baraboo Ambulance Service as an EMT, Baraboo Federal Savings & Loan, and Amcore Bank in Baraboo.
Marlene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo.
After retiring in 2000, she volunteered with the St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary that included the St. Clare Hospital Gift Shop. She spent many years with the Red Cross blood drive. She also served as a poll worker for the City of Baraboo. In her free time, Marlene enjoyed bowling with leagues at Thunderbird Lanes. She was a catcher on the Baraboo Women’s Slow Pitch Softball team. She faithfully cheered on the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and golfers, attended her grandkid’s sporting events, spent countless hours reading, and baked cookies for every visitor. She will be remembered for her love of her flowers and gardening.
Marlene shared her warm smile with all and will be missed.
Marlene is survived by her husband of 63 years, Edward; children, Risa (Charles) Machovec, Wendy (Michael) Gerken, and Kenneth (Katie) Waddell; grandchildren, Joseph and Dylan Machovec, Shelby and Taylor (Nicole) Gerken, and Leo Waddell; great-grandchildren, Moxin and Mylah Gerken. She is further survived by sisters, Charlotte (Roman) Haas, Judith (David) Frey, and Linda Block.
She was preceded by her parents, her parents-in-law, Kenneth and Estella (Granger) Waddell; sister, Shirley (Leonard) Swenson; brother-in-law, Robert Block; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Marlene’s family members extend a heart-felt thank you to Dr. K. and staff at Baraboo SSM Health Dean Medical Group, Chelsee and the staff at Bristol Hospice, and the staff at Oak Park Place.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo with Chaplain Bryce officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of the service. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Baraboo.
Condolences
Wendee Follendorf January 19, 2026
Friend Sun City 85351 , Arizona
So very sorry to hear about your mother. May she rest in peace.
Debbie Hess Running January 20, 2026
Former neighbor Waukesha , Wisconsin
I am so sorry to hear of Marlene's passing. I was able to visit with Ed and Marlene when visiting my mom at Oak Park a few years ago.
Edith Udulutch January 20, 2026
former neighbor Montello , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear of Marlene's passing. We send our love and deepest condolences to Ed, Risa, Wendy, Ken and the whole family. She was a wonderful friend and former neighbor. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Unfortunately we are in Florida and will be unable to attend her services but will be with you all in spirit. Love to you all.
Borys Kusyk January 20, 2026
Acquaintance Beaufort , South Carolina
Saddened to read about Marlene's passing. Be comforted in knowing that she is being embraced by our Lord. With deepest sympathies.
Connie & Wayne Richards January 20, 2026
Neighbor Janesville , Wisconsin
So sorry to you all for your loss! We have fond memories of you all when we lived Nextdoor!
John and Judy Ellington January 20, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Marlene was such a bright light. May her passing leave beautiful memories as you process this journey we call grief.
Sara Udulutch January 20, 2026
Friend/old neighbor Portage , Wisconsin
I'm so sorry to hear about you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My memories of Mound St are always close to my heart! God bless!
Sherry Centanni Coffman January 20, 2026
High school friend of her daughter Risa Stockbridge , Georgia
So very sorry to hear about her passing. I very much enjoyed seeing her when Risa and I hung out at her house. She was always smiling and such a happy person. She will be remembered fondly.
Jane and Andy Ellis January 21, 2026
Former neighbor, friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. Such a wonderful person. Our deepest condolences to your family.
Jody Neuman January 21, 2026
Friend Baraboo
So sorry to hear of your loss. She was such a wonderful little Lady! From her days of shopping at Darrow's and she would stop for small talk to us seeing her at the bank. Her bright smile will be missed, but lives on in all of you. Thought and prayers and hugs are with you all.
Ann Adkins January 22, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. Her bright smile and friendly manner at St. Clare gift shop was always a pleasure. My condolences to Ed and family.