Marlene Kay Gurney

Age 74 of Coal City, Illinois, formerly of Cicero, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois. 

Born October 31, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, Marlene was a daughter of Ernest and Lillie (Pickett) Olson. She was raised and educated in Chicago, and on November 29, 1966, she married Robert “Dan” Gurney, Sr. and together they would make their home in Cicero.

Marlene’s priority in her life was that of being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her family. She was the matriarch of her family, always ensuring that her children knew they were loved and taken care of. Marlene was inseparable from her husband, doing nearly everything together as a team. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Berwyn Lodge #839 and made time for herself on Thursdays to go bowling with her sisters. Marlene and Dan moved to Wisconsin in 2005 after Dan retired but moved back to Illinois in 2011. She will be most remembered for her feisty, determined spirit and her devotion to her family.

Survivors include her two children: Christine Gurney-LaChance of Coal City and Robert “Dan” (Jenice) Gurney, Jr. of Lake City, Florida; eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters: Darlene (Steve) Preston of Ocala, Florida, Denise (the late Tom) Tennant of Forest View, Illinois; and Dennis and Dean Olson, both of Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Dan Gurney on May 26, 2017; one sister, Shirley Olson, and two brothers, Ronald and Robert Olson.

Per Marlene’s wishes, cremation rites are being accorded and she will be laid to rest at a later date with her husband.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Marlene’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.