Marlene Izard

Marlene Izard, age 88, went to her heavenly home on January 5, 2024. She was born on June 23,1935 at her home in Meyer, Illinois and was the daughter of Carol Carothers Caldwell and Joe Caldwell. She had 3 siblings, Lynn Cawood, John Caldwell and Dan Caldwell. She attended Katherine Gibbs College in Chicago, which was a secretarial school but also taught courses in “dressing appropriately, serving tea, and other social refinements”. She then married her high school sweetheart, Donald Izard, on May 30, 1954. They raised 4 daughters and were always very active in their church and community. Marlene was a stay at home mother but as her daughters got older, she helped operate the Beardstown Farm and Home store with her husband. Life then took Don and Marlene to Quincy, Illinois, and they both got their real estate license and sold real estate together for a few years. Don later accepted a job at a bank in Watseka, Illinois and Marlene enjoyed working at Kaper’s True Value Hardware store in Watseka. After Don semi-retired, they moved to Lake Petersburg and enjoyed the lake as well as their new church family in Petersburg. They were always hosting family gatherings and this continued after they moved to Havana. Shortly after moving to Havana, Marlene was concerned with the nutritional needs of the children in the community when school was not in session. She planned and implemented the Havana Backpack Program which provides meals to children on the weekends. This program is still in effect.

Marlene is survived by her 2 brothers, several beloved nieces and nephews, and her 4 children; Debra Lane, Donna (Dennis) Benedict, Cindy (Wayne) Noll and Melissa Hentges. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren; Amber (Rusty) Sarnes, Jay (Megan) Noll, Rachel (Travis) Davenport, Daniel (Jessica) Benedict, Michael Benedict, Jonathon (Kelly) Lane, Josephine Baker, Olivia Hentges, and Alex Hentges, as well as 10 great grandchildren.

You seldom heard just “mom”, it was always “Mom and Dad” and you seldom heard just “Don”. It was always “Don and Marlene”. Don preceded Marlene to heaven 7 months ago. Although she loved and dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren, she missed the love of her life terribly. The family takes comfort in knowing that Don and Marlene are reunited again.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.