Wilma Marlene Collum Dunn

Marlene Dunn was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 9, 2016 at the age of 70. She was born Aug. 3, 1945 in Downey, Calif. to Riley and Wanda Collum. She was a loving mother, grandma, aunt and sister. Marlene attended local schools and graduated from Arcata High School in 1963. She was a graduate of Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma City, class of 1974, with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. Not long after Marlene’s return to Humboldt County she became married and happily made a home for her stepdaughters Dawn and Jessica. Marlene worked in the care home business and eventually became the owner/operator of a successful residential care home, the Golden Sunset, which she operated in Arcata for 10 years before relocating her business to Bayside where she continued the loving care of her ladies for another 15 years. She built very close relationships with the many ladies who received Marlene’s care, she considered them all as family. Marlene retired in 2013 due to health concerns, she then moved to Eureka.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father Reverend Riley S. Collum, brother Gerald Collum, sister Jean Collum Apodaca, and sister Donna Collum Kausen. She is survived by her mother Wanda J. Dempsey Collum of Eureka, brother Denver Collum of Texarkana, Ark., brother Charlie Collum (Kris Kausen Martella) of Ferndale, step-daughters Dawn Dunn (Ken Dalton) and Jessica Dunn of Eureka, numerous nieces and nephews, and by the love of her life, granddaughter Riley Fern Fedder of Eureka. A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held Saturday June 25, 11:30 a.m., at the Northfolk Full Gospel Community Church, 1675 Pickett Rd, in McKinleyville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Northfolk Full Gospel Community Church, 1675 Pickett Rd, McKinleyville, 95519 or to Marine Corps League Toys for Tots Fund; make checks to: MCL Support Fund, PO Box 882, Eureka, 95501.

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