LAWRENCE — Marlene Dick, 82, of Lawrence passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home in Lawrence.
She was born Jan. 23,1942, at Parsons, a daughter of Cyril A. and Adeline (Bradshaw) Heck. She was raised in St. Paul and Parsons, attended grade school in St. Paul and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Parsons. On April 1, 1967, she married Dan S. Dick in Parsons at St. Patrick Catholic Church before moving to Topeka.
Marlene was very adventurous and was involved in numerous jobs and activities. In her early years, she attended classes at Parsons Junior College and Pittsburg State College. She sold real estate in Topeka and then became an entrepreneur, owning and operating a successful retail store in several locations in downtown Lawrence for about 10 years. There she found her creative calling in design. Everyone looked forward to seeing what she created for her Christmas open house each year. She then owned and operated Red Barn Antiques in Topeka for a number of years before retiring. Christmastime was her favorite time of year, and if it was up to her, she would have her trees up all year-round. She was a collector of many things, but Santas were her favorite. The grandchildren always tried to guess how many Santas she had on display each year.
She was involved in lots of activities but whether it was Girl Scouts, Topeka Zoo docent, Doll Club, watercolor and pottery she gave it 100%. Her greatest joy and love was spending time and spoiling her grandchildren and dachshund, Augie.
She is survived by her husband, Dan S. Dick, of the home; a son, Christopher D. Dick of Lawrence; two daughters, Kathryne A. Padia of Texas and Susan M. Lasater (Patrick) of Lenexa; nine grandchildren, Nathan B. Padia, Prestan J. Garcia (Meika), Megan L. Hake (Jordan), Michael S. Kasson, Luke Padia, Andrew J. Lasater, Matthew L. Kasson, Jacob D. Lasater and Mason M. Kasson; eight great-grandchildren, Peytan, Parker and Hunter Garcia, Makenna and Aurora Hake, Hayden and Hailey Kasson and Lucas Kasson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, George A. Burkhart and Cyril Daniel Heck; and three sisters, Norma Jean Willson, Margaret L. Titus and Nancy C. Forbes.
The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday Sept. 30, at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul with the Rev. Nick Jurgensmeyer officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Cemetery. The rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the church. The family suggests memorials to St. Francis Catholic Church of St. Paul and/or to Midland Care Connections Hospice, and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
