Marlene Wretberg

Marlene Wretberg, 91 passed away February 5, 2024, of natural causes.

She was born October 5,1932 to George and Bertella Wilde in Deseret, Utah. Born in the small farming community of Deseret she spent most of her early childhood in Eureka, Utah. She often told the story of her first home there which had no indoor plumbing, but did have a two headed outhouse that was shared with the neighbors, and how exciting it was when she moved to a house in Tinic that had indoor plumbing. Her family moved to Salt Lake City where she attended Granite High School. When telling the story, this was a difficult transition for her and she often referred to herself as the hick from the sticks. Despite her humble beginnings and the challenges of moving to the big city, she excelled in life and academics, graduating from high school early and attending the University of Utah at the age of 17. 

Marlene was introduced to her husband and best friend in 1951,  and little did she know this was the beginning of a life adventure that would last nearly 72 years. Marlene married Doug May 1, 1953, in Seattle, Washington where Doug was stationed during the Korean war. After the war they moved back to Salt Lake City with their first child Debbie in tow. After settling into civilian life, they soon adopted their son Rick. They were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City Temple. Marlene loved and cared for her family without waiver, working full time, managing her home, and providing for her family. But not everything was perfect, as everyone well knows men don’t always think before doing and Doug is no different. Apparently, on the day he came home with a new boat all excited to take the family to the nearest lake and go boating, he had forgotten that Marlene, having nearly drowned in a local swimming hole near Payson, had a deep fear of the water. After threatening to divorce him, with the courage of a warrior, she decided to give boating a chance. She never did learn to swim and may not have fully overcome her fear of water, but she did adapt, which involved wearing at least one life belt and one life preserver whenever she got in the water (we won’t get into the hair). She grew to love the boat and even learned to water ski and family vacations generally centered around going water skiing at either Flaming Gorge or Lake Powell. Her willingness and courage to face her fear of water lead to lifelong bonding experiences for her family. Boating is still a big part of our family and will never be forgotten.  

She was very proud of her children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and loved each and every one of them very dearly. Even though they were a little loud and rowdy sometimes, she loved being with them and being part of their lives.  

She is survived by her husband Doug, daughter Debbie (Hal) Snedaker; son Rick (Kathryn deceased); Grandchildren Jason (Brooke) Snedaker; Justin (Kortni) Snedaker; Jeff Snedaker; Jordan (Natalie) Snedaker; Cortney Wretberg; Jake Wretberg; and twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister, and brother. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Marlene’s legacy and life will be held February 17, 2024, with a short program starting at 5:00 PM and the celebration ending at 7:00 PM. The celebration will be held at Cannon Mortuary located at 2460 E. Bangle Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. 

The family wishes to thank her caregivers Cory and Tamara and the Aspire Hospice team Shelly and Judith who supported Marlene through the difficult end of life process.