Marlene (Schumacher) Steffen, age 87, went to her eternal home on July 24, 2024.
Marlene was born to Clarence and Abbie (Powell) Schumacher on April 2, 1937, in her grandmother’s home in Juneau. She attended Juneau Grade School and Juneau High School, graduating in 1955. Following graduation, Marlene attended Whitewater State University for two years. She began her career with the Dodge County Superintendent of Schools, for seven years. In 1964 she took a position with the Common School District #11 (Dodgeland School District) as the Business Secretary (Comptroller), retiring in 2001. After retiring, Marlene was elected to the Dodgeland School District Board of Education and served for nine years. Marlene married Kenneth Steffen on October 5, 1968 in Juneau and together they built a wonderful life, raised their family, and were involved in the community. Over the years, Marlene was a life-long member of St. Stephen’s Evangelical Reformed Church/St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ from which she was baptized, confirmed, and married. As a member, Marlene gave of her time and talents as part of the choir, a Sunday School teacher, and member of the Consistory in which she served in various offices. Marlene was a charter member of the Juneau Lioness Club for thirty-six years, and during that time, she served as an officer of the club, most of the time as the treasurer.
A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Marlene will be deeply missed by her family, including her husband, her children Kristine (Christopher Neuman) Klodowski of Beaver Dam and Jeffrey (Trisha) Steffen of Withee; five grandchildren Adam (Savanah) Klodowski, Abby (Nicholas) Klodowski-Schultz, Alexis Steffen, Waylon Steffen, and Iris Steffen: great grandsons Jaxon Klodowski, Finnley Schultz and Truitt Schultz, step great grandson, Brayden Schultz; her former son-in-law Bob Klodowski, and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Michelle, her grandson Blake Steffen, and her brother Ronald (Red) Schumacher.
Marlene’s greatest love was her family. Sharing her time, kindness and generosity with them was her passion, including ensuring no one went hungry when they stopped for a visit. Over the years she enjoyed spending long holiday weekends at the deer hunting cabin, the occasional gambling trip, her trip to the South and East with her aunt and cousin, and trips to Branson, Las Vegas, and Arizona. She always cherished a wonderful luncheon with her “old high school friends” Kay, Pat, Diana, Karen, Elaine, and Justine, for each one’s birthday every year.
The visitation for Marlene will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:50 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. with Celebrant John R. Leiting officiating. A reception will follow. Burial will be at Juneau City Cemetery on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
If desired, memorials may be made to FRIENDS of the Juneau Public Library or the Juneau Lions Club.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.
