Marlene Joan Lutey Swenson went to the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on February 17, 2021, while surrounded by her husband, Keith, and daughters, Kallie and Leslie. Marlene was 88 years old. Marlene Joan Lutey was born on April 17, 1932, to Mable E. and William H. Lutey in Helena, MT. Marlene was the seventh of ten children born to that union.
Marlene attended Helena schools and graduated from Helena High School in 1950. She met Keith while attending Northern Montana College in Havre and pursuing a degree in education. Marlene was united in marriage to Keith Swenson on October 20, 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helena, MT. Marlene received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1972. She later received a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education in 1985. Marlene was an elementary teacher for Havre Public Schools for 26 years, retiring in 1997. She was passionate about her teaching career and her students. She was known for her fun and creative teaching style.
Marlene and Keith had two daughters: Kallie Elida (Patrick) Audet of Helena, MT and Leslie Ann (W. James) Hettrick of Clancy, MT. She and Dad were blessed with four grandchildren: Alexa Audet, Jordan (Steven) Morales, Bree (David) Barbour, Hailee Hettrick, and four great-grandchildren: Willow and Walter Barbour, Ella Morales, and Liam Heimbach.
She loved to travel with Keith and had many fond memories of their trips to Hong Kong, China, Japan, the Philippines and the Bahamas. Marlene loved reading and learning new things and especially enjoyed reading inspirational writings. Marlene mostly loved spending time with her family and especially loved watching her grandchildren participate in sports and their various activities.
Along with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by her husband Keith Swenson, her brother Chad (Virginia) Lutey and sister-in-law Margaret Swenson. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Mable Wegner, Betty Algard, Genevieve Young, Ellen Leary, Myrtle Murfitt, and her brothers: Selmer Lutey, William Lutey, and Stanley Lutey.
Marlene’s memorial service will be on Thursday, February 25 at 1 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, MT. A reception will follow the service.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday February 25, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday February 25, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday February 25, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday February 25, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Diana Tavary says
Well we will surely miss all of our sweet conversations on her front porch. And many discussions about beautiful flowers. Marlene was a brilliant woman, and I am positive that she was a fabulous teacher. She and Kieth had a lot of tender conversations with our daughter with autism who is non verbal. When Kenzie went missing we always knew where to locate her on their front porch conversing with sweet Marlene.
We will miss her beautiful smile and sweet voice. Rest in sweet peace Marlene. John and Di
Janine Keiper says
I’m so sad to learn of Marlene’s passing. She was the sweetest and kindest lady. After my husband’s death she and Keith treated my young son, Kurt, as their grandson. Kurt and I would walk down to visit them frequently. Marlene will definitely be missed.
Greg Dolven says
Marlene will always hold a special place in my heart. We taught many years together as 4th grade teachers at Sunnyside School in Havre. She was a wonderful teacher and a special person. Marlene was also my 5th grade teacher as I went through the Havre school system growing up. She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed.
Erin Ricci says
My first day of 4th grade Mrs. Swenson walked into the room loudly speaking “Balderdash” into the room. I have never forgotten. She was a great teacher and I am lucky to have had her.
John a Tavary says
Keith, I am so very sorry for your loss. Having been a loving and caring husband with the one you love to close to 64 years has to be so so hard when that time has come. As your neighbor, I have witnessed first hand the love and devotion that you have shown and the love given in return. God bless you and your entire family and thank you for the love you have shown us and our daughter McKenzie. It is with great honor and respect for you and Marlene that I say truly my heart and prayers are for you and your family. May the Father in Heaven bless you all the days of your life.
Melanie McCulloch says
Dear Kallie and family,
I was so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Peace and love, during your time of sorrow.
Melanie Mcculloch
Pat Gillen says
I knew Marlene when she was a Kindergarten teacher at Highland Park School in Havre. Her section of Kindergarten was housed in Donaldson Hall, on the MSU-N campus. She was absolutely elegant, something difficult being around five year olds. In the spring, she would hatch eggs in an incubator. She liked doing it and the kids were delighted. One year, she got bad eggs and chicks were, to be as genteel as possible, born deformed and/or dead. She had to come in early to scoop them out so as to prevent trauma…
Everything she said and did was marked with love. She was so proud of Keith and the girls. A wonderful woman has gone to her well-deserved reward.
Mary Wsgner says
We were so sorry to hear of Mrs Swenson’s passing. She was a wonderful teacher and a beautiful lady. She will be missed by so many for sure. She was one of Havres finest teachers!!! May you Rest In Peace. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Sue swan says
Marlene was my son’s kindergarten teacher and we all learned the meaning of Balderdash. Blessings to the family.
Denise Ladenburg says
I remember feeling so welcomed in the Swenson home. I still remember Mrs. Swenson’s love of her students and an especially funny story about my cousin. She indicated she complimented him on his great drawing of his breakfast and he replied, “Mrs. Swenson that’s not breakfast, that’s dog food!”. With her beautiful soft-spoken voice, Marlene chuckled as she told the story. Blessings to you all and may you always share your memories!
Deborah Joy says
I have many fond memories of growing up on 20th Street in Havre. I was Kallie and Leslie’s babysitter for many years. Many fond memories of Marlene, Keith and the girls. So sorry for your loss.
Blessings of comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Hugs
Debby Richard Joy
Pam (Bohn) & Greg Peterson says
Kallie & Leslie,
I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was so nice and touched many lives!
May all the wonderful memories you have of her keep her forever close to your heart and help you through this very tough time. Much love and hugs to all of you!
Barbara Evans says
Marlene was one of the sweetest souls I ever met. She and her husband Keith were neighbors of my mother, Doris Casebolt, in Ten Mile Creek Estates. They had such a loving marriage and were terrific neighbors for my Mom, both before and after she became a widow. We always sat on the porch and talked when I visited, and frequently went to Dairy Queen for ice cream. She will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to her loving spouse and extended family.