Marlene June Badura

Marlene June Badura of Lodi, Ohio passed away on May 17, 2026 at the age of 85 after complications associated with a chronic condition.

Marlene was born on August 12, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Elmer and Elsa Ward. A graduate of John Marshall High School, she worked for many years in a variety of roles at Kaiser Permanente before retiring to pursue her personal interests.

Marlene was an avid equestrian throughout her life, successfully breeding and showing Appaloosa horses before developing a passion for Combined Driving Events with her miniature driving horses. She received numerous awards and championships, despite competing against much larger horses in CDE, dressage, and marathon events.

Marlene was predeceased by her brother, Dr Robert E Ward. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert Badura of Lodi, Ohio; her daughter, Dr. Lori Badura of West Boylston, Massachusetts; her niece, Dr. Heidi Ward (Laddie) of Sarasota, Florida; and two nephews, Robert Ward (Janice) of Hinckley, Ohio and Kurt Ward (Monique) of Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Marlene’s life will be celebrated in a private family gathering. Donations in her name can be made to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna, Ohio or to Alleycats and Aristocats Cat Rescue in Medina, Ohio. Please direct any queries to Lori Badura at lori.badura@gmail.com.

Bollinger Funeral Services is honored to be assisting the family at this time.