Marlene Helen Bennink, 86, of New London, died Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Oakview Nursing Center, Burlington. She was born October 20, 1939, in Pella, Iowa, to Jacob and Nellie Stouwie. She was a graduate of Pella Christian High School and AIB in Des Moines. On November 25, 1960, she married Ivan Verle Bennink in Oskaloosa. He died Friday, November 18, 2011.
Marlene was a homemaker and owned and operated a quilting and fabrics business, “The Top Drawer,” out of her home. She was a member of the Danville Baptist Church, where she played the organ and was a member of the women’s prayer group. She loved tending her flowers and being outside in her garden.
Survivors include her son Paul Bennink of New London; four grandchildren, Angela (Luke) Kershner, Cassandra (Justin) Curtis, Jamie Weinrich, and Jordan Bennink; several great-grandchildren; and her brother-in-law Neil Moss. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son James; daughter-in-law Ruthy Bennink; sister Trina Moss; and brother Jacob Stouwie.
Visitation, without family present, for Mrs. Bennink will be from noon until 5:00 pm, September 25th, at Elliott Chapel, New London. The funeral for Marlene will be held at 11:00 a.m., September 26, 2026, at Danville Baptist Church with Pastor Jack Edmisson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Following the service, her body will be cremated, with inurnment at a later date. A memorial has been established for the Danville Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.