Marlene J. Van Cleave

Marlene J. Van Cleave, 71 of Rockford and formerly a 40-year resident of Mt. Prospect, died Friday, October 24, 2008 at SwedishAmerican Hospital. Born March 5, 1937 in Duluth, MN daughter of Tore and Ingaborg (Strandberg) Gernander. Married her loving husband of 53 years Robert L. Van Cleave on August 13, 1955 in San Antonio, TX. As a young girl she was involved in the Duluth Ice Follies and the Girl Scouts where she formed lifelong friendships with her Girl Scout sisters. Marlene took great pride in her Swedish heritage and traditions. While raising her family, Marlene was active in the PTA and was a volunteer coach with the cheerleading program at the Mount Prospect Park District.After her children were older she began her professional career as a Registered Nurse, working for Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, where she received a 20-year recognition. She was a former member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mt. Prospect, loved to cook and collect recipes, travel, sew and visit Edwards and Currans Apple orchards. She also loved to boat and camp in the summer and shop. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at SwedishAmerican Hospital and all her doctors. Survivors include her husband, Robert L. of Rockford; daughters, Leann Sackett of Freeport, Linda J. Van Cleave of Belvidere and Lonna L. (Patrick) Converso of Loves Park; grandchildren, Marisa L. Moran,Jeramie L. Dahlhauser, Janna B. (Patrick) Sutherland, Stacia M. Sackett, Laura A. Converso and Kelli D. Converso; great grandchildren, Kierstyn L. Van Cleave, Noah P. Sutherland and Hailee A. Hagemann; sisters-in-law, Eunice Gernader, Gloria V. Stone and Carol Van Cleave; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and loving friends, Debara Preston, Roberta Clark and many more cherished friends. Preceded in death by her parents, brother, Jerry Gernander; granddaughter AlyssaM. Conversoand aunts, Verna Sloan and Eleanor Gardner. Memorial service Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Donald Lavelle Officiating. Visitation from 1-2 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Visiting Nurses Association, 4223 East State St. Rockford, IL 61108. Extend online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com