Marlin Henry Reeck

Marlin H. Reeck, age 86, passed through Heaven’s gate leaving a legacy of faith, integrity and honor. With admirable courage and grace Marlin endured many years of health challenges and pain. His loving devotion for family was nurtured by his parents Alice and Henry Reeck.

Born April 12, 1937, Marlin developed an early strong work ethic being raised on a dairy farm in the Township of Dupont, Marion, WI. He never wavered in living a life of purpose, sacrifice and good will.

After graduation from Marion High School he served in the U. S. Army, Active Reserves 1955 to 1963, He worked in South Dupont Cheese Factory, F.R. Buss and Co. Cheese Factory, Caroline, WI, FWD Seagraves, and Aerial Ladders and Atlas Conveyer, Clintonville, WI. He was on the Clintonville Police Department part time for two years. In 1967, Marlin joined the Appleton Police Department. He valued the training through Fox Valley Technical College in Law Enforcement and related courses and institutes. He took pride in his career. He retired from the APD in 1992. Following retirement, he worked in Public Safety at Fox River Mall.

On June 9, 1962, Marlin married Karen Fay Laehn. They shared a fairy-tale romance followed by 61 years of a wonderful, sacred, magical marriage surely made in heaven. Always a team, one son called his parents “The Dynamic Duo.” Family was Marlin’s most cherished role. He considered each child a gift from God. He was a loving father; his grandchildren a joy.

Together with Karen and their children, Marlin had a zest for travel. Many road miles were explored in the USA. After retirement, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Fiji, and beyond were cultures of learning and enjoyment.

Marlin had a deep and abiding love for the Lord. He was an eager Bible study participant and active member of First English Lutheran Church.

Marlin is survived by his devoted wife, Karen; children: Ryan M. Reeck, Wendy (David) King, and Ross C. Reeck; grandchildren: Shalayna Reeck and her children, Madison Schacht, Delaney King, Bohdan Reeck; step-grandchildren: Rachel King Johnson and Ethan King; sister: Rosalind Bulger; brother-in-law: Todd M. Laehn; beloved nieces and nephews.

Marlin was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mindy Faith; his father and mother, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Walter and Louise Laehn Sr.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Arlin and Diane Johnson and brother-in-law: Donald Bulger.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North St., Appleton. For those who cannot attend the service in person, the service will be Livestreamed via his obituary page here. Visitation will be on Tuesday, at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Karen, children Ryan, Wendy, Ross, Sister Rosalind, other dear family members and friends close to him. Countless angels of love were supportive and uplifting as Marlin suffered constant pain. Visitors, acts of kindness, prayer partners were special and “thank you” will never convey our hearts’ appreciation.