Marlene Marie Tisher

Marlene Marie Tisher, 72, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024, at her home.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Ave NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may read the obituary and view the tribute video at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Marlene Marie Pearson was born on October 27, 1951, to Robert “Bud” and Evelyn (Reisenweber) Pearson in Britton, South Dakota. She grew up in Britton and was a tomboy who loved playing sports with her three brothers. Marlene graduated from Britton High School in 1969. She was involved in many endeavors throughout her education, such as the National Honors Society, playing saxophone in the concert band and jazz band, attending girls’ state, becoming head cheerleader, head drum majorette, homecoming queen, and valedictorian. Marlene was described by many as “the quintessential girl next door.”

Following high school, she attended the University of South Dakota for two years, then transferred to the University of Idaho, graduating in 1973 with a major in applied statistics. Marlene was hired by the Armstrong Floor and Tile Co. as regional marketing manager in charge of the eastern United States.

During a trip home over the Christmas holiday, she spoke briefly with a longtime friend after a Christmas Eve church service. They both agreed they should get together sometime. Later, they did and have been inseparable ever since. She married her longtime friend and soulmate, Gene Tisher, on July 5, 1975, at the First Presbyterian Church in Britton, SD. Gene and Marlene made their home together on a farm near Amherst, SD, where they worked side by side raising cattle and crops.

Marlene taught junior math and science in Britton from 1975-1980. At that time, she and Gene decided to start a family and spend more time helping Gene on the farm, especially with the finances and marketing. Two children were born into the family: Jackson and Kristin.

Marlene loved all things sports. She played golf, tennis, and volleyball and was an avid fan of professional football, college football, professional golf, and professional tennis. She loved anything related to competition. March Madness, both men's and women's, was always a favorite of hers to watch and support, as well as the Kentucky Derby.

Marlene loved everything outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, boating, snow skiing, waterskiing, photography, and especially the Rocky Mountains. Gene and Marlene traveled extensively to every state west of the Mississippi. Together they wintered in Santa Barbara, Carlsbad Laguna Beach, California, as well as Sedona and Scottsdale, Arizona.

In 1988, they enjoyed traveling to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the Winter Olympics as well as the Park City, Utah Olympics in 2002. Marlene and Gene had a home in Park City for a few years where they skied the many resorts and enjoyed the high country cuisine.

Marlene decided it was time to sell their cattle herd in 1989 and concentrate solely on grain farming, primarily corn and soybeans. Gene and Marlene retired in 2014, and for the last ten years, they divided their time between their homes in Spokane, Washington, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Aberdeen. Marlene especially enjoyed seeing elk from time to time in the backyard of their lake CDA home and taking photographs.

Marlene will be missed dearly by her husband of 48 years, Gene; daughter, Kristin Tisher; son, Jackson (Kristen) Tisher; and brothers, Lyle (Jeanne) Pearson and Bryan (Sandy) Pearson.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Evelyn Pearson, and one brother, Wayne Pearson.

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