Lorena “Rena” Valeria Roelke (nee Meisel), age 94, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Ballard Glen in Appleton. She was born July 31, 1932, to Edmund and Dorothy (Ubbelohde) Meisel. Rena married Frank Roelke, Jr. with whom she shared 59 years until his passing in 2013.

Rena is survived by children: Russ (Lynn), Cyndi (Jim) Thaldorf, and Judy (David) Sprink. Grandmother of Tom (Adrianne) Schmidt, Anne Roelke; Kelli (Dain) Peer, Eric (Shaye) Thaldorf; Hannah Sprink and Paige Sprink; and 8 great grandchildren, plus one on the way. In addition, Rena is survived by her sister Sharlene Hiller and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Frank, parents Edmund and Dorothy; brothers: Harvey (Gloria) Meisel, Kingsley Meisel, H. Paul (Lucy) Meisel; sister Audrey (Jess) Bundensen, brother-in-law Wayne Hiller, as well as Franks siblings and parents.

A memorial service will take place on Tuesday November 10, 2026, at 4:30pm at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 2:30pm until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Appleton, Brown Deer United Methodist Church or the charity of your choosing in Rena’s memory.

Rena’s family would like to extend its thanks to the wonderful staff at Ballard Glen as well as the caring staff at St Croix Hospice for all the wonderful care provided to her.