Marlene Fontanini

Marlene Fontanini, 92, of Des Moines, passed away on September 2, 2026. She was born on August 9, 1934, to Cleo and Esther Hansen in Audubon, Iowa. She attended Audubon High School and later attended AIB College.

Marlene worked for the Iowa Department of Public Instruction for 20 years. She also worked at Target, Iowa Methodist Hospital, and for her brother Stew Hansen at Stew Hansen Dodge City. An incredibly hard worker, Marlene approached everything she did with determination. Nobody worked harder than she did.

She enjoyed bowling and could always be counted on as the anchor of her team. She loved animals and always had a dog or cat around the house. Marlene also took great pride in providing and keeping a clean and orderly home.

Marlene is survived by her children, Glenn (Teresa) Sorensen and Jody (Mike) Kile; grandchildren, Lindsey Kile (Matt Doherty), Aaron (Maggie) Kile, and Jay Sorensen; and sisters, Karen Anderson, Sue (Jim) Fisher, and Kathryn Hansen. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Stew Hansen and Wendell Hansen; and sister, Judy Campfield.

Memorial contributions may be directed to AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue in De Soto. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.