Marlene H. Schultz

November 11, 1936 - March 24, 2020

Marlene Schultz was a loving and compassionate person who was a friend to everyone she met. She has left a void in the lives of those that loved and knew her. She was born on November 11th, 1936, in Milwaukee, WI to Melvin and Florence Graf. As an only child, Marlene was spoiled by her parents and her many aunts and uncles. Growing up in a very close-knit German community, family gatherings, playing Sheepshead, and having an occasional beer were a common occurrence. While in Milwaukee she met the man she would eventually marry, and who would become the love of her life, Rodney Schultz. They were married on August 18th, 1956. Starting their life together in Waukesha, Marlene soon was welcome into the large Schultz family. In 1962 they started their own family with a son (Glenn) and 2 years later a daughter (Gail) which prompted a move out to the “country.” Marlene chose to stay home to take care of her children which was a blessing to her family especially when nine years after her first daughter was born, another girl (Gwen) was welcomed into their family. Early in her life her she enjoyed singing in the church choir and attending weekly services at Siloah Lutheran. It was here her love of God and strong faith was developed. Later in her life, she joined the choir at Trinity Lutheran where she was a member for many years. Marlene was more than just a homemaker, mom, and wife. She was a doctor, taking care of many a skinned knee, treating various cuts, bruises, etc. She was a chef who learned how to stretch a few pounds of meat into a week’s worth of meals. One time when Rodney brought home a couple of 5-gallon buckets of smelt undaunted, Marlene made some type of smelt dish each Friday for the next year much to the dismay of her children! She was seamstress fixing and mending various holes, rips, and tears to extend the life of every garment, she even created designer one of a kind costumes for school plays and Halloween. Marlene was also a master gardener, spending many hours planting, cultivating, weeding, and harvesting each year in her garden that she loved. Marlene was also a compassionate daughter. As her mother Florence was moved to a nursing home, Marlene made it a point to visit each week, taking her out to their house, playing card, eating, laughing, and reminiscing of all the memories that they shared. Marlene joined her husband Rodney of 63 years ten days after Rodney going home and now, they are both together for eternity. (See Rodney’s Obituary) Marlene is survived by her son Glenn (Jessica) Schultz, daughter Gail Schultz and Gwen (Steve) Travis. One of Marlene’s greatest pleasures was spending time with her granddaughters Samantha and Claire (Glenn’s daughters) and Ashley and Emily (Gwen’s daughters) and especially her best friend and sister in-law Alyse Schultz. A special thanks Gwen, Steve, Ashley, Emily, Gail, and Dee for the compassionate care. A Celebration of Life for Marlene and Rodney will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm at River Glen Church, S31 W30601 Sunset Drive Waukesha, WI 53189. A gathering will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out in Marlene's name to either the Ronald McDonald House or the Alzheimer's Association.