Marlene J. Bien

Marlene J. Bien, 80, died Monday, August 31, 2026. Marlene was born September 26, 1945, to Joseph and Ada Jacobs in Topeka, KS. Marlene graduated from Hayden High School in Topeka in 1963 where she was homecoming queen. Marlene married Greg Bien on February 4, 1967. Marlene obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Education from Washburn University. Marlene taught English for 34 years at Topeka High School. After retirement she moved to a small farm in Douglas County where she delighted in country life including raising chickens, gardening, sitting on the porch bird watching, having cats and dogs, and even mowing on the tractor. Marlene also spent many years volunteering at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed travel abroad and playing Mahjong and bridge in Lawrence. Marlene is survived by her husband, Greg, her two children: daughter Stacey Arney (husband Todd, grandchildren Lauren, Elise, Anne, and Lucas); son Alexander (wife Megan, grandchildren Henry and Amelia); two great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her sister Elaine Christian. Two siblings, Richard Jacobs and Carolyn Bedell, and her brother-in-law, Keith Christian, preceded her in death. Marlene tirelessly fought the effects of Parkinson’s disease for 28 years — a remarkable length of time. Donations can be made for Parkinson’s research to KUEA(Kansas University Endowment Association). Mail to Kelly Lyons, PhD., University of Kansas Medical Center, 3599 Rainbow Blvd. MS3042, Kansas City, KS 66101.

A celebration of Marlene's life will be held October 3rd at the Smith Center, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace, Lawrence, Kansas. Welcome will be from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Testimonials and visiting will be from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. 

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