Marlene Rae Elsinger

Marlene Rae (Gruenenfelder) Elsinger, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 8th, 2023, at the age of 85. She was born in Auburn, Nebraska on December 8th, 1937, to Hans Benjamin and Talitha Ella Martha (Ewerdt) Gruenenfelder. Her family moved to Wisconsin, settling in the Byron/Brownsville area. She was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and graduated from high school.

Romance sparked at a local dance hall where she met Vernon Raymond Elsinger, the love of her life. They married on October 1st, 1955, and shared 67 years/7 months of a loving, dedicated life. Raising five children together, they provided many opportunities for their children and set a warm example of love, family and church.

They joined a Lutheran bowling group and shared a passion for vacationing and travel on their Harley Davidson motorcycle (taking pride in keeping their motorcycles in pristine condition). As members of the WELS Riders group, they enjoyed friendship and fellowship on Sundays, were members of the Retreads and the Fond du Lac Harley Davidson Club. They experienced amazing adventures and created treasured memories.

Marlene's primary career was in management at Sears for over 20 years; joining the ladies bowling group and participating in tournaments. She was loved by co-workers and customers for her ready smile and willingness to go above and beyond. She was a natural entrepreneur and sold a variety of products including Artex, Tupperware, Princess House, and Avon. With faith being an integral part of Marlene’s life, she participated in her church by singing in the Senior Choir, helping in the church's school kitchen, and belonging to the Gleaners Club.

Above all, Marlene cherished family. Her deep love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren knew no bounds. Her family and friends were blessed by her creative nature and talents; a beautifully decorated home for holidays, memorable birthdays and milestones, and beautiful flower beds. She created beautiful cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, confirmations, graduations and holidays. She also loved learning about the various birds stopping to feed at their bird feeders, favoring cardinals.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father, mother, son Thomas, granddaughter Candace, great-granddaughter Alia and great-great granddaughter Aria. She is survived by her husband Vernon, daughter Cindi (Dave), son Steven (Soraya), daughter Debbie, son Tim (Gail), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and dear friend Lila.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin at 10:30 am. Friends may call from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the church prior to the service. A private, family internment will follow.

 Marlene will be dearly missed by all who knew her and loved her. May she rest in peace.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com