Marlene “Punky” Taff

Marlene was born Dec. 30, 1936, in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., daughter to Albert and Ruth (Smith) Peterson.

Marlene was a strong and beautiful woman whose biggest joy in life was taking care of her family and everyone around her. While raising her own family, she was also a foster parent for many years, helping other children. After her own children were adults, she opened an adult foster care home, where she enjoyed helping adults with special needs.

She loved going on trips with her family, gardening, and especially cooking for everyone. Marlene was happiest with a household full of family and friends gathered around the kitchen table eating and drinking coffee.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Taff; sons, Bill (Gena) Maynard and Pat (Cathy) LeBeau; daughters, Debbie (Bruce) Micoley, Jody Anderson, Vickie (Jim Stearns) Cassanova and Tina (Clarence) Christian; stepsons, Damien (Tania) Taff and Darren (Meg) Taff; sisters, Rosie (Elmer) Barlow and Susie (Terry) Kroll; and a sister-in-law, Linda Peterson.

Marlene had an enormous amount of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who meant the world to her and she had an amazing bond with each one.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruth Peterson; one son, Philip “PJ” Maynard; two daughters, Melinda Maynard and Elizabeth “Betsy” LeBeau; one grandson, Gregory Maynard; one sister, Dorthy Oldeen; three brothers, Dale Peterson, Larry Peterson and Jerry Peterson; and her father-in-law, Edward Taff.

Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pastor Jim Danielson will officiate.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Marlene’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain to honor Marlene’s legacy of life.