Marian Bernice Latzko

Marian B. Latzko

Marian Bernice Latzko, 79, Appleton, WI, died at home on September 3, 2006. She was born on October 10, 1926 in Hammond, IN, daughter of Leo Crone and Grace Lorena (Cook) Christensen. She married Robert Leslie Latzko on December 1, 1946, in Hammond where she and Bob began dating as teenagers. The couple moved to Wisconsin in 1953, living in Lake Mills, Marinette, Brookfield and Wauwatosa before moving to Appleton in 1989.

In addition to her parents, Marian was preceded in death by two brothers: George William Christensen and Leo Crone Christensen Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, and six children, including: Leslie (Dr. Robert) Dent, Waupaca; Barbara (Dr. Douglas) Grant, Appleton; Michael (Sue) Latzko, Phoenix, AZ; Sally (Bryan) Kneeland, Menomonee; Holly (Mark) Bilderback, Lino Lakes, MN, and Lynda (Robert) Brasser, Hudsonville, MI.

She is further survived by 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Marian was a writer and educator, active in her church and community. She held a B.S. in home economics education and an M.S. in continuing and vocational education from UW-Madison. Her varied career included being a stay-at-home mom for many years; a stint as food editor for a weekly newspaper insert, as a UW-Green Bay children’s theater organizer in northeast Wisconsin and as a Title I teacher in Marinette.

From 1971-89, she was a teacher and administrator in the Waukesha Public Schools. She taught family and consumer classes in grades 7-12, organized and created curriculum and became a department chairperson. In 1989, she retired and moved to Appleton, where she and Bob founded Microlife, publisher of the book, I Can Do It! A Micropedia of Living on Your Own and various companion publications.

Marian was, and Bob is passionate about the need for schools and institutions dealing with young adults to stress everyday living skills, especially personal finance. Their publications are used by schools, universities, families, social workers and those working with young persons of all economic means across the nation.

Marian was past-president of Wisconsin Home Economists in Elementary and Secondary Education (WHEESE), from which she received the Distinguished Home Economist Award in 1987 and Honorary Home Economics Educator Award in 1989; Waukesha International Management Council, receiving the YMC Award; and Wisconsin Home Economics Association. Her company, Microlife, received a National Independent Living Association Award in 2003.

Marian was an active member in the Professional Development Network, Wisconsin Vocational Association, Wisconsin Association of Vocational and Adult Educators, Wisconsin Education Association, Consumer Congress of Milwaukee, Home Economics Professional Improvement Council, Waukesha Technical College People to People, YWCA Teen Peer Educators and Unwanted Pregnancy Organization.

In addition, Marian was active in United Methodist Churches wherever she lived, and many times as president of the United Methodist Women. She was a Girl Scout leader and P.E.O. member. She worked with American Field Service (AFS) students and parents for 8 years, serving as President of the Marinette and Elm Grove chapters.

In Appleton, she belonged to First United Methodist Church, the Town and Gown Book Club, Rota and P.E.O., as well as various other organizations and committees, including the Fox Valley Unites Family Subcommittee.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday September 7, 2006 at First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin St. Appleton, with the Rev. David Brice officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5-8 P.M. on Wednesday and at the church on Thursday from 10 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton (920) 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com