Marlene R. Hulleman

Marlene R. Hulleman, 91, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home. 

Services will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5000 Military Road in Sioux City, with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Friedrichsen officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Sioux City. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the church, with the family present. Rosary will take place at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Christy-Smith Funeral Homes.

Marlene was born Jan. 25, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa, as the only child to Alva and Stella (Dandurand) Cox. She grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in 1953 earning a music scholarship to Briar Cliff College.

During her senior year of high school, she met an Army Veteran fresh home from the Korean conflict named Thomas C. Hulleman. They were later married on June 26, 1954, in Sioux City, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage together. They had 3 children, Renee, Timothy, and Dale.

Marlene was a devoted wife and mother, deciding to stay home and raise her children rather than pursue a college degree. It seemed like she knew someone everywhere in town she went. She was loved by all for her kindness, friendly attitude and beautiful smile.

As a child she enjoyed many family hunting and fishing trips. When her children were born, she travelled with her children to see family and later in life she enjoyed traveling with her husband to see her children and grandchildren throughout the United States.

Music was a huge part of her life. She was a talented lifelong musician mastering both the piano and organ. She started piano lessons at 7 years old at a music studio in the Sioux City Commerce Building under the direction of Lois Olson. She took lessons for 12 years and often commented on how her parents required her to practice 2 hours every day. At just 11 years old she had memorized enough music to give her first solo recital in a downtown music studio.

During her school years Marlene played piano in the orchestra at both West Jr. Middle School and Heelan High School. In her sophomore year at Heelan she played in a school district contest where the music teachers noticed her talent and chose her as the accompanist for several different school choirs. She also played 3 years for the annual operetta productions & various other music programs including local piano Guild & Federation contests.

Marlene was the Sacred Heart Church Organist, starting while she was still in High School. She showed up for mass one Sunday morning and the priest pointed to the choir and organ loft and asked if she would play. She became the regular organist and eventually played for 3 masses every weekend, cutting back to playing only Saturday evening mass later in life. She also played for the church choir for many years. She retired in the Fall of 2023 at the age of 88 due to health issues after playing for over 70 years. Her achievements were recognized in the local Catholic paper The Lumen.

Marlene was requested to play for countless funerals and weddings over the years. Often playing for the weddings of multi generations within the same family.

Teaching music became her passion. While still in High School and still taking lessons herself, she began giving piano lessons to children in her Riverside community. After marriage she set up a music studio in the family home where her records indicate she taught over 350 children and adults during her career. During her peak she gave 35 lessons per week. She frequently showcased her students’ talents at annual local and regional recitals and was very proud of the countless students recognized with superior ratings over her many years of teaching.

Marlene was a long-time active member of the Sioux City Music Teachers Association, later called the Great Plains Federated Music Club. She served in roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Historian and Junior Counselor. She also served as the North Central Regional Chair.

She was a very devout Catholic and an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Modern Woodmen of America.

Surviving is her daughter, Renee Murray of Sioux City, Iowa; her son retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Dale Hulleman and his wife, Melinda of Sioux City, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Sean, Jennifer, Lindsay, Calvin, Ashley, Danelle, Cory and Krysta; ten great-grandchildren (Riana, Runa, Jace, Cameron, Neveah, Heaven, Keilani, Daliano, Jeremiah and JeMelle); three sisters-in-law Mary Hulleman of Hawarden, Iowa, Judith Nelson of Canon City, Colo., and Mildred Rasmussen of Alcester, S.D.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Tom; a son Timothy, five brothers-in-law Martin and Melvin Hulleman, Gene Nelson, Ralph Rasmussen and Harvey Millikan; and four sisters-in-laws, Winifred Van Buskirk Neoma Millikan, and Mable and Rachel Hulleman.

We would like to thank the many friends and neighbors who went above and beyond to help mom after dad passed away. We would also like to say a huge thank you to the entire staff at Holy Spirit Retirement Home for taking such good care of mom and making her feel at home. She truly enjoyed spending the last 2 years of her life there. Lastly, a huge thank you to the staff of Hospice of St Croix for comforting mom at the end of her life’s journey. Your team did an incredible job of taking care of mom and making things easier for her family.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Rest in peace, Mom. The Lord gained another amazing accompanist for his choir.