Marlene Carol Kauppinen, age 81 of Virginia, died Thursday, August 13, 2026. She was born on April 27, 1945, in Alango, the daughter of Sulo and Ina Nelmark. She was a graduate of Alango High School, Suomi College, and the Duluth Business University. She lived in Alango and was a longtime resident of Virginia. She married John Kauppinen on June 24, 1967.

Marlene worked at the Virginia Shirt Factory and worked many years in the Virginia School District; as a teacher’s aide, and a secretary in both the Special Education and Community Education offices. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the ELCW, and the Elks Auxiliary. She was a wonderful cook and hostess. She enjoyed fishing, camping, gambling, and attending concerts. After John’s death in 2006, Marlene started the John Kauppinen Law Enforcement Scholarship Foundation. She was proud to hire an amazing group of musicians to raise money for that scholarship: Bobby Vee, Fabian, The Chiffons, and Brian Highland. On January 1, 2010, she began seeing George Croft and they have remained together ever since.

Marlene is survived by her daughter: Shari Brazil of Hibbing; significant other: George Croft; siblings: Judith Renmoe, and Roger Nelmark; brother-in-law: Bill Kauppinen (Elaine); sister-in-law: Debbie Esselstrom, nieces and nephews: Steve Nelmark, Billy, Tom, and Julie Kauppinen, Alayna Esselstrom, Peter Pomaville, Jody Nelmark, and Michael Nelmark; and "two daughters of the heart": Marla Padgett and Nikki Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents: her husband: John in 2006; her daughter: Jennifer in 2025; brother: Robert; and nieces: Catherine and Sharon.

A Memorial Service will be on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Liz Cheney will officiate. A visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the 1:00 service.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To leave a remembrance of Marlene online, see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.