Marlene I. Homb, 83, of Freeport, passed away on January 8, 2026 at Liberty Village, IL, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She was born on March 19, 1942, in Darlington, WI, the daughter of Harold and Marie (Wicker) Hale. Marlene married William Homb on November 23,1963.

She completed her nursing training at the Freeport School of Nursing from 1960-1963. Marlene worked for Freeport Memorial Hospital as a part time RN and retired in 2003. She also worked in several nursing homes. Marlene grew up in Warren, raised a family in Orangeville, IL then relocated to Freeport for the remainder of her life. She was an avid walker, animal lover, enjoyed water/pool therapy, casinos (specifically Elko and Laughlin, NV), and most importantly loved spending time with her family.

Marlene is survived by her husband Bill Homb; two daughters- Jeani (Terry) Camplain and Laura (Mike) Schiffman; grandchildren- Bryn (Ryan) Gahm, Katelyn Schiffman, and Noah Schiffman; sister- Kathy Becke.

She was preceded in death by her daughter- Julie Homb, parents, sister- Shelby Beyer, brothers-Donald Hale, and Frank Hale.

Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Warren, IL.

A visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. prior to service on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Interment will be held at a later date.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family would like to thank Liberty Village and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care.

A memorial has been established in her name.