1938-2026
Marlene Janice Frettim, 87, of Adair, daughter of Arkle and Ina (Cory) McGee, was born Oct. 23, 1938, in Bayard. She passed away suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at her home.
Marlene graduated from Bayard High School. She then went on to graduate from the Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines. In August of 1954, she was united in marriage to Harold Frettim in Bayard. They made their home in Bayard for a short time before moving to Long Beach, California, while Harold served in the United States Navy for three years. Following his honorable discharge, they moved back to Iowa, living in the Jefferson area, before moving to Marshalltown for a few years. They then moved to their present home in Adair. Marlene operated her own beauty shop in Adair for many years, selling the business about 10 years ago. She then worked part-time doing hair at the Heritage House in Atlantic for about five years.
Marlene enjoyed gardening, flowers, vegetables, sewing, quilting and camping. She loved her cats.
Marlene is survived by her husband, Harold Frettim of Adair; daughters, Julia (Dennis) Downing of Panora and Joni (Tom) Purcell of West Des Moines; son, David (Janine) Frettim of Stuart; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Ronald (Mary Ann) Kackley of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson and a great-grandson.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, followed by a visitation until 5 p.m. at the Adair Community Center, Adair.
Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.