Marlene Emilie Ganswindt Lederer passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family on Sunday evening, October 22, 2023. She was 82 years old. Marlene, whose first name was a combination of her parents' names, was born to Marvin and Arlene (Pagel) Ganswindt on February 7, 1941, in Burlington, Wisconsin. It was there, at age 5, that she met her life-long friend and future husband, Bob Lederer, a kindergarten classmate.

After graduating from Burlington High School, Marlene enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the first person in her family to attend college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and graduated with honors. Her love of learning remained a motivating force throughout her life.

Marlene and Bob dated, fell in love, and were married as undergraduates on December 26, 1962. Their first child, Steve, was born the following year. During the early years of their marriage, Marlene worked as an itinerant speech therapist with the Madison Public Schools to support her young family while Bob completed medical school. Their second son, Doug, was born in 1966.

During Bob's pediatric residency in Rochester, New York, Marlene worked as a speech therapist with a non-profit organization for pre-school children, many of whom lived in poverty and had no speech. It was a challenging assignment, requiring her to design lessons and activities with limited resources, using play to foster language. She sometimes brought her own kids with her to interact with her pupils.

Marlene and Bob moved to Denver in 1970 for what was to be a one-year fellowship. They liked the culture and climate of Colorado and decided to stay. Marlene embraced being a mom, even as she engaged with social issues such as women's rights. Bright, quick-witted, and fun to be around, she easily connected with other parents and neighbors, many of whom became her life-long friends.

Marlene was an open and accepting person with a strong social conscience. Despite her small-town upbringing, she endeavored to get to know people whose backgrounds and experiences were different than her own. When they were able to buy a house, Marlene insisted that her family settle in Park Hill, a northeast Denver neighborhood where residents and church leaders were working to create a multi-racial community in response to the "white flight" of families fearing de-segregation. She and Bob joined Park Hill Congregational Church, a progressive congregation focused on compassion, peace, and social justice. She remained an active member of PHCC up until her passing.

Marlene received the unexpected gift of a daughter, Megan, in 1977. She welcomed this encore of motherhood with gratitude, and the same mix of pragmatism and commitment she applied toward most things in her life. She rarely took anything for granted.

While Bob was the social butterfly, Marlene preferred a more supportive role. She was a do-er, who enjoyed preparing meals, organizing events, and helping with projects; lending her time and talents wherever they were needed. She had a knack for making others feel cared for and appreciated. A talented cook and baker, she often shared her love through food.

Marlene loved to read, go to plays, and listen to the symphony. She developed a special fascination with opera, which combined the elements of story, staging, singing, and classical music all in one art form. For many years, she enjoyed annual trips to the Santa Fe Opera. One of her longtime wishes was to attend a live performance of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, which she was able to do with Bob and friends in 2018 and 2022.

Without a doubt, Marlene's proudest accomplishment was her close-knit family. She enjoyed spending time with her adult children, their spouses, and her grandchildren on outings and vacations, and gathering with them for frequent family dinners. She was a nurturing, supportive and fun-loving grandma, who adored her grandchildren and took pleasure in their successes. We will miss her smiling presence in our lives, even as we pass down her legacy of thoughtfulness and love.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Don. She is survived by her husband, Bob; three children: Steve (Martha), Doug (Jennifer), and Meg (Dan Teter); and eight grandchildren: Ben, Molly, Matthew, Emilie, Connor, Logan, Jessica, and Allison.

We will gather to celebrate Marlene's life Saturday January 6, 2024 at 2 pm at Park Hill Congregational Church, 2600 Leyden Street, Denver. The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend.

The family suggests donations to:

Park Hill Congregational Church, https://secure.myvanco.com/YH57/campaign/C-YKHS

Denver Botanic Gardens at https://www.botanicgardens.org/tribute-memorial-gifts