Marleen Ann (Brinkmann) Anderson

Marleen Ann (Brinkmann) Anderson passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in Webster Groves, Missouri, at the age of 85. Marleen was born on November 16, 1940, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Alfred and Neoma (Ziegler) Brinkmann. She spent her early years in St. Louis before making Salem, Missouri, her home for nearly 60 years. There, she raised her family, built lifelong friendships, and became a cherished member of the community. In her later years, she returned to the St. Louis area to be closer to family. Affectionately known to family and friends as “Speedy Marleen”; her nickname was delightfully ironic. She was never in a hurry, preferring to do things at her own pace. In doing so, she reminded those around her to slow down, appreciate each moment, and enjoy the journey. Children were at the center of Marleen’s life. In the early 1970s, she opened a preschool in her home, where generations of young learners were welcomed with patience, encouragement, and unconditional love. Later, she continued her calling as a teacher at William Lynch Elementary School in Salem, where she found great joy in helping children learn, grow, and believe in themselves. Marleen had a gift for finding joy in life’s simplest moments. She noticed the little things others often overlooked and believed even the smallest act of kindness could brighten someone’s day. Family and friends treasured the handwritten cards she faithfully sent for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and often for no special occasion at all. If you opened a card from Marleen, you knew you’d be vacuuming confetti for weeks—a signature touch that brought a smile before you even read her message. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, she could often be found listening to the game on the radio, content to spend an afternoon cheering on her beloved team. Guided by her faith, Marleen was a longtime member of Salem United Methodist Church. She lived as though life was good, sharing that joy with family, friends, neighbors, animals, and especially children. She could make a room full of strangers feel like lifelong friends and had a remarkable talent for making everyone feel seen, remembered, and loved. She is survived by her son, Dustin Anderson; daughters-in-law, Somer Anderson and Pam Anderson; grandchildren, Brooke (Anderson) Barker, Devoney (Anderson) Bench, and Will Anderson; step-grandchildren, Dillon Reynolds and Hannah (Reynolds) Henson; great-grandchildren, Cooper Bench, Carson Bench, Saylor Barker, Amelia Barker, and Andi Barker; her sister, Jean (Brinkmann) Montgomery; her beloved nieces and nephew, Dawn Montgomery, Neoma (Montgomery) Sanders, and Charles Montgomery III, along with their families; and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Neoma (Ziegler) Brinkmann; her husband, Searles “Andy”; Anderson; her son, Christopher Anderson; and her brother-in-law, Charles Montgomery Jr. Arrangements are being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

Marleen Ann (Brinkmann) Anderson

November 16, 1940 - July 9, 2026