Marlene Petzel, 85, of St. Croix Falls, WI., passed away on Dec. 25th, 2022 in her home after a brief bout of Appendicular cancer with family by her side.

Marlene was born on Sept. 27th, 1937 to Walter Grossman and Ella Marek in St. Paul, MN.

After Marlene graduated from Humboldt High in 1955, she went on to work at a law office as an assistant. She later was promoted to work in copy writing and was reading law books and editing. She would take the bus from West St. Paul to downtown St. Paul to work every day.

In 1959 Marlene met Donald Petzel at West Sweden Dance hall in Frederic, WI. Marlene and Donald Were united in marriage on May 14th 1960. She quit her job and moved from the city to St. Croix falls, WI. To join Donald on the farm and became his helper feeding calves and helping him milk cows. She also was a housewife taking care of their two children Mike and Nancy.

Marlene loved being on the farm and everything about it her love of cows grew so much that the inside of the house was decorated with them. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren coloring, shopping, caring for a menagerie of barn cats, baking and cooking. She was known for her delicious brownies and M&M cookies they were staple at most family events. She loved her great grandchildren. They would make her light up when they came around.

Marlene is survived by her two children, Mike (Robin) Petzel and Nancy (Patrick) Brenholt; three grandchildren, Branden (Angelina) Brenholt, Brittany (ken) Robinette, Katelyn (Cody) Nielsen; three great- grandchildren, Tamina, Katerina Brenholt and Carter Nielsen; brother-in-law, Elroy (Arlys) Petzel and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marlene is preceded in death by husband, Donald; parents, Walter and Ella Grossman; sister, Marie (Ed) Ackerman; brother and sister in laws, Maynard (Mildred) Petzel, Marcella (Ivan) Frokjer, Evalyn (Bob) Clark.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Croix Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Growth will be doing the service. A private burial will be in the spring with immediate family.

Last Update: Dec 29, 2022 1:18 pm CST