Marlene Beth Flannery of Traverse City, Michigan, formerly of Midland, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Marlene was born to Harold and Diane Eklund on May 15, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the second of five children.

Many of the happiest moments in her childhood were with her family when they would go camping at Grand Haven beach for several weeks during the summer. Her family is planning a special service in her memory to be held there this summer.

Marlene was a 1967 graduate of Grand Rapids Union High School. She attended Ferris State University and received a degree in Dental Hygiene from Delta College. She assisted in hygiene instruction for several years after graduation then joined Dr. Randy Meinhardt in his dental practice in Midland.

Marlene married Robert Flannery on August 17, 1991, and they moved to Traverse City where she joined Deerhaven Dentistry which she enjoyed until her retirement.

She and Bob enjoyed 27 years of life together in Traverse City. They built a home on Long Lake and enjoyed modest adventures such as exploring Isle Royale, snowmobiling in Yellowstone, skiing at Big Sky with friends and snowmobiling the adjacent mountains. Marlene was an especially graceful and beautiful downhill skier—a joy to watch.

They also enjoyed the cuisine and attraction in Paris and on the Côte d'Azur. The sunsets on Long Lake always compared favorably.

She was a member of the Christian Women's Club with Stonecroft Ministries, of which she was the Local Chairwoman. Marlene was also a tireless member of the Interlochen Women's Club and loved her time with the Crumpet and Coffee Club.

She was a gentle and loving woman, proud of her profession and accomplishments, but especially of her children and grandchildren who referred to her as "BG"—Beautiful Grandmother. She was a truly beautiful person.

She is survived by her husband Robert Flannery; daughters Kelley (Steve) Stewart and Amy (Christian) Brown; grandchildren Ryan, Collin, and Caroline Stewart, and Abby, Chet, and Toby Brown; stepchildren Rob (Katy) Flannery, Colleen Flannery, and Molly (Rob) Campbell; step-grandchildren Robby, Emily, and Danny Flannery, and Wesley and Maxwell Harder.

Her family sincerely appreciates the love and care provided to Marlene by the staff at Orchard Creek Supportive Care. Their kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49640. Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, you are cordially invited to join the family in a time of fellowship, food, and refreshments.