Service Details
Funeral services will be celebrated on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church (1501 Erie Street). Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials have been suggested to St. John’s Lutheran School.
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Racine-Marlene Ione Roepke was born December 20, 1934 in Birnamwood, Wisconsin, where she spent her early childhood on the family farm. She attended 1st-3rd grade at a country schoolhouse there.
She moved to Racine at age nine where she attended St. John’s Lutheran School. She continued her education at Lutheran High School, Gateway Tech and UWM. Upon finishing school, she worked at St. Lukes’s Hospital as a lab tech in the EKG Department.
She loved traveling with friends and family to destinations including Germany, Switzerland, France and Hawaii. She loved retirement but continued working part-time at St. John’s Childcare and Mileager’s Garden Center. She often watched her great nieces and nephews and, in her later years, great grand-nephews.
Marlene was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor and friend to all who knew her.
She is survived by her brothers, Jay (Hanne) Roepke, Donald Luedtke and sister, Sharon Eckert; Niece and Goddaughter, Shea Birdsall-Leech and her children; Robert, Ashleigh, Connor and Ryan Birdsall; Haiden and Bennett Leech and grandchildren, MJ, Liam and Theodore. Marlene is further survived by nephews and nieces; Vicki (Chuck) Boles and their children, Ashley (Adam) Molbeck and Soren Nelson; Jeff (Tracy) Stacy their children, Josh Stacy, Zack (Sabrina) Stacy, Jacob (Erica) Stacy, Donald (Becky) Luedtke Jr., Cheryl Ryan, Laura (Charlie) Schultz, Todd (Debra) Luedtke, Mike (Cindy) Eckert, Mark (Luanne) Eckert, Wendy Eckert and many great nieces and nephews, cousins and family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elton W. Roepke at the young age of 29 years, when she was only 4 years old, Zella and Harold Luedtke in later years, Nephews, Marty Eckert and Scott Luedtke.
She will be dearly missed by many more family and friends.
Funeral services will be celebrated on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church (1501 Erie Street). Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. pm at the church.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Pastor Jack Gilbert for his monthly visits, support and prayers given.
Susannah & Steven Parks says
Our hearts are so heavy with the loss of our sweet Marlene. We have so many fond memories of her with the best memories being during our trips with her to Nashville, IN for Thanksgiving. Marlene was one of the kindest souls we have ever met. Her heart was so full of love for everyone. God has gained a beautiful angel to walk by His side. We love you cousin Marlene and we are truly going to miss you. Rest easy and fly high. Until we meet again.
William Lemke says
I was glad I made it to Shea’s to visit Marlene on July 29th. Even though it was difficult for her to communicate, she still acknowledged my presence and who I was. She liked smelling the flowers I took her, and squeezed my hand numerous times when I presented it. It was wonderful to see her while she was still mentally alert. A VERY SPECIAL COUSIN INDEED !!!!
Barbara Greco says
Remembering a lovely person from St. Luke’s.
Donna Szews says
so sorry about Marlene. She was a fun loving cousin
Many good times in younger years. My sincere sympathy to all. Treasure your memories
Love and Prayerspp
Donna Henderson Szews
Birnamwood,WI
John & Jan Tappe says
We are sad but happy at the same time at the loss of a living cousin, but we know she is in heaven with Jesus at her side & no more health concerns. We would visit several times each month & had many good laughs over the phone. Marlene had a strong faith in her Savior, Jesus, therefore we know she is with Him & those who went before her. We are also very thankful for Shae & her family for caring so much for Marlene.
Ruth Ann Tappe Olson says
Sadness is how I feel losing my cousin, Marlene who was like my sister. I have many wonderful memories of all the times we spent on the phone or family events. She was a devout Christian who loved her Lord.