Marlene M. Laitinen, 78, died Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Pinecrest Assisted Living in Lake Geneva.

Marlene was born Nov. 3, 1933, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Edward and Catherine (Dorsey) Zieman. She was educated in the schools of Chicago and employed by various manufacturers over the years as a technician. After Marlene retired, she moved to Burlington, Wis., to be closer to "Auntie Angie," who was her favorite aunt. She was a devout catholic and a former member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She was also very connected with her family and viewed her many nieces and nephews as her own children. Marlene loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and gardening. She was a big Elvis fan.

Marlene is survived by one brother, Edward Zieman of Lake in the Hills, Ill.; and one sister, Sandra Stout of McHenry Ill.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Loretta, Barbara, Joy and Patricia; and by Aunt Angeline.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church (30100 Wilmot Rd). Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Aurora VNA Hospice or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.