Marlene Ellenbecker-Birkholtz

Marlene Birkholtz, age 82, passed away quietly on March 6, 2023, with her family by her side.  Marlene was born on July 8, 1940, in Appleton, daughter of the late Raymond and Olive (Horn) Ellenbecker.  She graduated from Appleton West High School in 1958.  Marlene was united in marriage to Gerald Birkholtz on November 4, 1961, celebrating nearly 50 years together.  Gerald passed away on February 22, 2011. 

Marlene was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.  She enjoyed crafts and learned to knit at age 10.  She sold her projects at the Downtown Appleton Farmer’s Market for over 25 years.  She also knit baby hats for the Thedacare Regional Medical Center of Appleton.  Marlene loved watching the Packers; ringing bells and cheering with her friends at Zion Place. 

She will be deeply missed by her daughter: Paula (David) Kuba; and her granddaughters: Amanda and Molly.  She is further survived by her brother-in-law: Dennis Schoen; sister-in-law: Joyce (Jake) Paltzer; nieces: Laurel (David) Leder and Victoria (Jeremy) Karst; God son and nephew: Aaron (Tabatha) Schoen, along with their families, many other relatives, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters: Donna (Jim) Huven and Yvonne Schoen; and her brother: Raymond Ellenbecker.

The funeral service for Marlene will take place at 11:00 am on March 11, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 N Oneida Street, Appleton, with Pastor Jake Czarnik-Niemeyer officiating.  The visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service.  Interment at Riverside Cemetery.

Marlene’s family would like to thank St. Elizabeth Hospital, AseraCare Hospice, the Carolina Manor staff, and her Zion Place friends for all their love and care.

Mom, I will miss our nightly 8 pm phone visits. Love, Paula