Marlene Delores Read, age 70 of Victor, IA, passed away at home, surrounded by family and under care of Essence of Life Hospice on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Marlene was born on May 17, 1955, in Marengo, Iowa, to Otto and Luella (Meyer) Fruendt. She was born, raised, and educated in Lincoln Township, where she grew up on her family's farm. She attended St. John's Lutheran School through the eighth grade and graduated from HLV High School with the class of 1973. From a young age, Marlene knew the life she wanted; as a girl she once wrote in her diary that she would marry a farmer. That dream became reality on April 12, 1975, when she was united in marriage to Gary Read at St. John's Lutheran Church in Victor, Iowa.

Together, Marlene and Gary worked side by side, building a life on the farm. They raised their daughters while milking cows and tending pigs, truly living the values of dedication, partnership, and hard work. Marlene was never shy of hard work and approached every task with determination and care.

Marlene found great joy in crafting, a talent she lovingly passed on to her daughters. She was an exceptional cook and baker. One of her greatest joys was baking a special cake for each of her grandchildren's birthdays, a tradition that reflected her deep love for family. She also took pride in her flower gardens and delighted in making jellies and pies from the fruits she grew.

Above all else, Marlene loved her family and cherished the memories made together on the farm. She will be remembered as a loving, caring, and hardworking woman whose quiet strength and devotion touched all who knew her.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Gary Read of Victor; her daughters Traci (Will) Boston, and Kelli Read (Colton Wersinger); grandchildren, Drew Boston, Perah Boston, Ellie Boston, Otto Wersinger, and Waylon Wersinger; her siblings, David (Cynthia) Fruendt, and JoAnn (Gene) Ketterling; brother-in-law's, Donald Blunck, Allen (Marilyn) Read and Dave (Julie) Read; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Michelle Read in 2001; a sister, Audrey Blunck; father-in-law Marvin Read and mother-in-law, Perah Read.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Victor. A luncheon will follow the service at the Church. A private family burial will be held at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Family will greet friends during a visitation held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 14, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home – Victor, IA.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated towards Essence of Life Hospice or the Iowa county Food Bank. Memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347.