Marlene Mary Enstad (Steinhorst), age 87, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026 at Lilac in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

Born on January 8, 1939, in Sauk County, Wisconsin, Marlene was the daughter of the late Walter and Elsie Steinhorst of North Freedom. She attended Happy Hill Elementary and was a graduate of Baraboo High School.

Shortly after high school, Marlene moved to Madison for work, where fate led her to the love of her life, Berger Enstad. Berger was stationed in Madison with the U.S. Army before being deployed to France. Marlene’s very first airplane flight was a solo journey across the Atlantic to join him. The couple was married in France on July 9, 1962.

Marlene and Berger spent the majority of their lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, though they cherished the seasons spent in the Florida sunshine and peaceful days at their cottage on Spring Lake. Marlene found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life: tending to her garden and sitting outside, soaking in the warmth of the sun.

Marlene’s legacy of love continues through her devoted husband, Berger; their children, Randy Enstad, Gary (Kathy) Enstad, and Cheryl Grimes (Robert Fischer); her seven grandchildren; and her ten great-grandchildren: Korey (Emily) Enstad and their children Jackson, James, and Lennon; Kimberly (Eric) Clark and their children Callum and Theo; Collin (Andressa) Enstad and their children Cole, Ellie, and Lily; Seth (Makala) Enstad; Taylor Enstad; Alyssa (Tanner) Kirchberg and their child Avery and soon arriving baby; and Justin Grimes.

She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings: sisters Delores, Lorna, Eunice, and Audrey; and brothers Russell and Ronald.

Marlene will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who found beauty in the garden and strength in her family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Cress Funeral Service, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a visitation to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow service at Sun Prairie Memory Garden on Clarmar Dr. A light lunch will be served afterward at the VFW, 349 South Walker Way, Sun Prairie, WI. 

The family would like to thank Lilac Springs Assisted Living Center and Rainbow Community Care for their loving support and care of Marlene.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054