Marlene Ann Knutzen

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2

After a swift delivery from pancreatic cancer, Marlene took her place in paradise that her Lord and Savior prepared for her. She remained faithful and excited to enjoy her eternal reward.

Marlene wore her faith effortlessly and shared it personally, through service to others within and outside her church, Trinity of Ellington, and by example to anyone who was blessed to have contact with her. After her faith, Marlene valued her family more than anything else on earth. She thanked the Lord every single day for her four children and their spouses, her thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (and one on the way!) She spent many years working diligently on the farm and raising a family with the love of her life, Frank Knutzen. There was no job too big or small that she couldn’t handle. Marlene was an amazing cook; family favorites included her chicken soup and unbeatable potato salad. She also enjoyed embroidery and completed more than 20 sets of 7 kitchen towels plus at least four quilts for family members and friends. She enjoyed tending several flower beds and was always impressed with the natural beauty of her flowers. Outside farm and family, Marlene enjoyed many years of employment at Gary’s Flowerland. She played dartball for many years, loved playing sheephead with several card groups, and always stayed active and fit through the Silver Sneakers program. Marlene was known for her tireless energy! Marlene was a strong supporter of Fox Valley Lutheran High School. She attended many sporting events cheering on the Foxes and volunteered at the Bargain Garden to benefit the student assistance program at the school. She was selflessly dedicated to helping others.

Marlene is survived by her children: Paul (Becky) Knutzen of New London; Brian (Laurie) Knutzen of Waupaca; Phil (Beth) Knutzen of New London; Sue (Tom) Olson of Larsen; grandchildren: Brianne (Ben) Buss, Davis Knutzen, Paige Knutzen, Jared Knutzen, Conor Knutzen, Kayla Knutzen, Tabitha (Jesse) Smith, Hogan Knutzen, Serena Knutzen, Quintin Knutzen, Taylor (Alayna) Olson, Mitchell Olson, and Jordan Olson; and her great grandchildren: Brooklynn and Parker Smith. Marlene is also survived by a sister: Diane (Colin) Thede and sisters-in-law Joyce Loos and Bernice Knutzen. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank, a brother Larry Loos, brothers-in-law Harold and Clarence Knutzen, and sisters-in-law Dorothy (Orville) Laabs, Milly (Warren) Romberg, and Bernice (Harvey) Potratz.

The Christian Funeral Service for Marlene will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, W6399 County Road O in the Town of Ellington. Rev. Ronald Ash will officiate, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel (1592 Oneida Street, Menasha) on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and again at church on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM. For more information or to share a memory of Marlene, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

Marlene’s family would like to offer their sincere thanks to everyone at Heartland Hospice for the thoughtful, loving, and compassionate care they provided during Marlene’s brief illness. You will be forever remembered by our grateful family.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Marlene, you will be greatly missed and celebrated by all those who loved you.