"Jean, I first met your mom (and dad) at Rosalia Gardens. She was so sweet. I am sure she was a great nurse & a great mom/grandma. She had it all - compassion, smarts and common sense. I see where you get it from. Peace be with you & your family. "
In loving memory of
Marlene Marie Luetschwager
December 17, 1934 - August 5, 2024
Marlene Marie Luetschwager, age 89, of Antigo died August 5, 2024. She was born on December 17, 1934 in Milwaukee, a daughter of the late John and Maryanna Konkol. She married Edward Luetschwager on July 14, 1962 at St Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood, and were married for 42 years. He preceded her in death on May 3, 2004. They were both graduates of Birnamwood High School and were Prom King and Queen.
Marlene graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1953, and from the Milwaukee County General Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1956. She worked there after graduation and was also Head Nurse on two different floors at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee. She also worked as an RN in California and Maryland. In Maryland, she was the evening supervisor at Meridian Nursing Center. She traveled and moved frequently with her husband who was a US Navy Commander and Aviator. She was a Navy wife for 21 years. She enjoyed traveling and has been in all 50 states and many countries including Europe, the Caribbean, Ireland, and Mexico. Her husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Marlene cared for him at home.
Marlene was a member of SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church and its Rosary Society. She was the past president of the Rosary Society and was actively involved in church activities. She was a member of the Langlade Hospital Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary.
Her fun activity was square dancing with the Gateways Squares for over 20 years attending many of the State and National Conventions. She also enjoyed working in her yard, flower and vegetable gardens.
Survivors include three children, Bruce (Suzy) of Indiana, Alan (Jacky) of Ringle, and Jean Marie (Dan) Turunen of Antigo. four grandchildren, Justine (Josh) Cleveland, Anna (Jon) Doll, Andrew (Reilly) and Alicia Turunen; two great-grandchildren, Lauren Cleveland and Ezra Doll.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence, Gordon, and Gerald.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, August 10 at 11 a.m. at SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Joel Sember officiating. Interment will be in St Philomena Catholic Cemetery in Birnamwood at a later date.
Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 9 to 11 a.m.
Tributes
"My dear friend, Jean, I'm sorry to read about your mom's passing. I recall many evenings visiting with her in your kitchen on North Pole Rd. Sometimes we talked longer than I talked to YOU. I'm glad she had a long life and got to see her grandchildren grow up. She was always sweet to me, and I won't ever forget her voice. I hope that you're as much as you can be. My best to your family and to Bruce and Alan. So sorry I can't make the trip up there from Manitowoc. Just a bit far considering I work mornings a lot. Feel free to call anytime at 414-313-8469."
"Nacho and I had the pleasure of knowing her for a short time, but we fell in love with her. We will miss her so much and the joy and happiness she brought into our lives. Our hearts hurt for her family. What an amazing woman. RIP Marlene, you will be missed. "