Mardene Lois Garling, 95, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 peacefully at Keystone Care Center in Keystone, Iowa.

Mardene was born January 11, 1931, at her parents' home in rural Keystone, the daughter of Roy and Margaret (Schuldt) Bruger. She attended Lutheran school in Luzerne and completed two years of high school in Belle Plaine. Following the consolidation of the school districts, she finished her final two years of high school in Blairstown.

On September 5, 1948, Mardene was united in marriage to Marlyn "Bud" Garling at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Luzerne. Together, they were blessed with three children.

Mardene and Bud farmed for 10 years before moving to Belle Plaine, where they owned and operated Garling Furniture for 26 years. After closing the store, Mardene continued her career in the furniture industry, managing furniture stores in Coralville and Davenport for Eastman House Company. She later worked as a sales consultant for a furniture corporation in Minneapolis, traveling throughout five states. In all, Mardene devoted 35 years to the furniture business, a career she truly enjoyed.

Mardene was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. She was active in her community and generously gave her time and talents to many organizations. She served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary, served five times on the Retail Board of Directors for the Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Parents' Advisory Council for Belle Plaine Schools. She also served 12 years on the Board of Directors for the Community Center and had served as president of the Over 60's Club at the Center.

Above all, Mardene treasured her family. She also enjoyed baking, spending time with her neighbors, volunteering at the Community Center, and the many friendships she made throughout her life and career. She will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, and dedication to the people and community she loved.

Mardene is survived by her son, Gene (Nancy) Garling of Williamsburg; daughter, Sandra (Todd) Walton of Belle Plaine; daughter-in-law, Christine Garling of Iowa City; grandchildren, Lisa Garling of Belle Plaine, Shane (Brittany) Garling of Alta, Jessica Garling of Alta, and Katie (Preston) Valdez of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, Matt (Michelle) Moore, Wesley Forcht, Gable, Beckett, Mavrick, and McCoy Garling, Porter and Price Valdez; and great-great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Cora, Harper, Charlotte, and Haisley Moore.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, Marlyn "Bud" Garling (2011); son, Keith Garling (2019); granddaughter, Erica Frocht (2007); sister, Thelma Kusel (2022); and brother-in-law Loren Kusel (1998).

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, Iowa, with Pastor Josiah Schultz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Keystone Cemetery in Keystone, Iowa.