Marleen Rae Gasseling Obituary (2025)

We remember Marleen Gasseling, whose spirit departed from us on March 28, 2025, at the age of 73. Marleen, a beacon of unwavering friendship and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Marleen Rae (Laurent) Gasseling was born on Mother's Day, on May 13, 1951, in Yakima, Washington, to Maurice and Nellie Laurent. Marleen's childhood was spent having fun playing with the Granholms girls, her friend Trudy Laurence, the Boisselle girls, and many cousins. She attended Harrah Elementary and then St. Joseph Academy (Carroll High School), where she met many lifelong friends. After high school, she attended Charm Beauty School to become a beautician. She continued life as a beautician and opened the FancyFree Beauty Salon, in Harrah, with her co-worker, Barbara Heilman. Marleen married Dave Gasseling on April 7, 1972, and had a huge celebration of their union. Marleen continued to work up to the day when she gave birth to her daughter, Leah. She then turned all her focus on making a happy household. Three years later, they brought home another daughter, named Erica. Marleen was an outstanding wife and mother, and caring for her family was of upmost importance. Marleen was a kind and generous person who gave her heart and soul for her whole family. She was funny, the life of the party with her infectious laugh. She also had a feisty and spicy side. Her loyalty to her friends and family was immense. If Marleen said that she would take care of it, it was done. She was an incredible cook. Her recipes of divinity, fudge, cinnamon rolls, spinach salad, and most important, the frosting on her cakes was incredible. Marleen started to make birthday cakes for family members which then turned into a small business venture. She was well known throughout the upper and lower valley for making incredible wedding cakes. Marleen was an extremely creative person, who loved to do crafts of all sorts. Marleen was involved at Harrah Elementary School, where she was PTA president for many years. She was approached by Ted Filer, who was the principal at Harrah Elementary School. "Since you're here Marleen, you might as well start on the payroll." Marleen was hired as a para educator to the 5th grade class. When the opportunity arose to work in the kitchen, she applied to be the record keeper for the kitchen, and then she would end her career in the kitchen as a cook. In her later years, she would join XI-Beta Sorority, where she served as treasurer, representative, and was the current president. She was very close to all her sorority sisters, and she loved them dearly. The Gasseling Christmas Tree Farm brought so much joy to her life. Marleen really enjoyed running the Weenie Wagon with the whole Gasseling family. The work and fun times spent with family members and the generations of families who came to the Christmas tree farm every year created memories that are priceless. Marleen's favorite holiday was Halloween, she would decorate the house and put together her famous bags of great candy. She was known for her candy bags chock full of incredible candy bars. If you didn't get treats from Mrs. Gasseling, you really missed out. Marleen is survived by her daughter, Leah Gasseling (late: Tracy Bossard); daughter, Erica Gasseling (Alfonso Gutierrez, Alfie), her dog, Buster, sister, Arleen Harman (Kevin), brother-in- law, Ken Gasseling (Diane), brother-in-law, Don Gasseling (Sue), brother-in-law, Mike Gasseling (Sue), sister-in-law, Ann (Rick) Niesz, sister-in-law, Susan Gasseling, and many incredible nieces and nephews that she loved with her whole heart. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dave Gasseling, her parents, and in-laws, Leo and Teresa Gasseling. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in memory of Marleen, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00am, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (1707 S. 3rd Ave., Yakima, Washington). In lieu of flowers, Marleen asked that donations to be made to the Humane Society. Marleen would say "Live each day, (but not too early) to its fullest." Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.