Passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2024 from medical complications after suffering a heart attack on July 2nd.

 

Marlene was born in Milwaukee, WI on May 31, 1945. Two weeks after her 18th birthday, Marlene married the only man she loved, Dennis H. Schaefer and immediately began a family. Together they have a son Scott and a daughter Dawn. In 1968, Marlene and Dennis purchased their family home in the still rural subdivision on Milwaukee’s northwest side, their house surrounded by fields where the children had a wonderful childhood.

Known for her energetic personality, Marlene never met a stranger. At family events, she shared her stories, often punctuated with great laughter by all within earshot. Marlene became friends with store clerks and waitstaff at the restaurants they frequented, as well as the many people at Mohawk Resort in Crivitz, WI where the family vacationed together for over 60 years.

 

Marlene is survived by her beloved husband Dennis, her loving children Scott (Jane) Schaefer, and Dawn (Susan) Schaefer, brother Mike (Deb) Gmitruk and grandsons Tyler (Victoria) Schaefer, Austin Schaefer and Brandon (Karly) Schaefer. Further survived by sister-in-law Lois (Richard) Jaehnig, Arlene (Jim) Skomski, along with all the members of her large extended family of nieces and nephews. Marlene will be greatly missed by many friends, especially the family of Sue and Paul Janowski whose children consider Marlene and Dennis as grandparents.

 

A funeral visitation will be held on Thursday August 1, 2024 at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005) from 1:00pm until time of service at 2:30pm.