Marlene M. Bottum, 77, of Tulare, SD, died Saturday, May 24, 2008 at the Huron Nursing Home in Huron, SD. Her funeral will be Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tulare United Church in Tulare. Reverend Deb Mack will officiate. Burial will be in the Burdette Cemetery near Tulare. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield, SD. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Marlene was born June 5, 1930 near Rockham, SD to Fred and Avis (Pierce) Schmidt. She grew up on the family farm near Rockham and graduated from Miller High School in 1948. She received a teaching certificate from Northern Teacher's College in Aberdeen, SD. Marlene married Donald Bottum on June 4, 1954 in Rockham. Marlene and Don farmed west of Tulare all their married life.

She was a member of the Tulare United Church, Oasis Chapter of the Eastern Star, Tulare Legion Auxiliary and the Tulare Birthday Club.

Marlene enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, crocheting. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her husband Don of Tulare, her children: Diane (Doug) Tipton of Tulare; Dwight (Ann) Bottum of Tulare; and Dennis (Sylvie) Bottum of Eagle Pass, TX; ten grandchildren: Christian, Colin and Chad Tipton, Tiffany, Tawny, Nicholas, Cassandra, Tristan, Tiara and Trishia Bottum. She is also survived by her sister Argie (Ken) Buss of Redfield, her brother Milton (Dorthea) Schmidt of Rockham, her sister-in-law Vera Zens of Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elaine Lingscheit and her brother Freddie Schmidt.