Marlene Shirley Te Slaa

ROCK VALLEY, IOWA ~ Marlene TeSlaa, 92, of Hull, Iowa, formerly of Rock Valley, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Aspen Heights Assisted Living in Hull.

   A Private family committal service will be held at Valley View Cemetery at Rock Valley. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Pastor Doug De Groot officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the church website at: http://www.calvincrcrv.org. A luncheon and time of fellowship with the family will follow at the enclosed shelter house at the City Park in Rock Valley.

   Memorial donations may be directed to Rock Valley Christian School or Western Christian High School Capital Campaign.

   Marlene Shirley Altena was born on February 10,1934, to Henry and Effie (Broek) Altena on the family farm near Doon, Iowa. She was the youngest of eight children. On July 8, 1952, she was united in marriage to Raymond Te Slaa following Ray’s service in the Army. Together they were blessed with four children and later became foster parents to a bonus son, Mike Zuiderhof. Marlene and Ray farmed near Garretson, South Dakota, for 10 years before moving to Rock Valley, Iowa.

   Marlene had a true gift of hospitality. Nothing brought her more joy than having family and friends gathered around her table, enjoying a homemade meal, a cup of coffee, or one of her delicious goodies. She was known for several special recipes, but especially her Ollie Bollen, which became a sought after item at many church and school auctions. Her home was a place filled with warmth, laughter and meaningful conversation. Marlene always took a sincere interest in the lives of others and was intentional about encouraging and uplifting anyone who took the time to visit with her.

   Marlene had many passions. She lovingly helped Evy for many years, assisting with the children in her daycare. She also enjoyed gardening and canning, often sharing her produce with neighbors and friends. She loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities. Even when she could no longer attend in person, she always wanted to see pictures and videos so she could still be part of their lives. Marlene also took great pride in serving as custodian at Calvin CRC for 50 years. She was determined to make sure “God’s House” was kept clean and orderly each and every day.

   The 2024 flood had a significant impact on Marlene, as she lost her home and most of her belongings. That night, she had made peace with the fact that she thought the good Lord was calling her home. However, God had a different plan. Marlene loved sharing that story and her testimony of the peace God gave her in the midst of such uncertainty.

   Marlene was a faithful prayer warrior for her children, grandchildren and anyone who asked to be added to her prayer list. Her life was a living testimony of what it means to trust God, to pray, and to lean on Him in the hard times, while giving Him all the glory in the good times. Her relationship with the Lord shaped her character, her kindness, and the way she loved others.

Those left to cherish her memory are:

Son, Harvey (Marlene) Te Slaa of Manhattan, Montana

     Jason (Kristy) Te Slaa of Great Falls, Montana

          Weston, Logan, Devin, and Ethan

     Nathan (Kristin) Te Slaa of Manhattan, Montana

          Simon, Daniel and Louise

     Michelle (Brett) Nibbelink of Manhattan, Montana

          Bria and Micah

Son, Floyd (Robin) Te Slaa of Rock Valley

Daughter, Evy (Rick) De Kam of Rock Valley

     Bradley (Faye) De Kam of Boyden

          Teigen, Maeley, Dade and Sienna

     Matthew (Cacey) De Kam of Sioux Center

          Piper, Adrean, Kobi and Apollos

   Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Effie Altena; husband, Raymond Te Slaa; son, Vernon Te Slaa; granddaughter, Molly Wren Te Slaa; six brothers; and one sister.

   The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff at Aspen Heights and St. Croix Hospice for the amazing care Marlene received while in their service.