Marlene C. Christensen, age 88, of Manitowoc, died Friday night, May 23, 2025, with family at her side, at St. Mary’s at Felician Village, Manitowoc.
Marlene was born on November 22, 1936, in Manitowoc, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Kruzicki) Check, Sr. She graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the Class of 1954 and continued her education becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant. On April 14, 1956, she married Donald L. Christensen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Manitowoc, he preceded her in death on December 11, 2005.
Marlene was a devoted homemaker, raising her six children, she loved cooking her polish dishes, baking, sewing clothes for her kids and making quilts. She enjoyed traveling with Don, they went to Hawaii, had many trips to Florida, many cruises and traveled to all of the states. A definite highlight of her travels was her trip to Israel. Marlene spent many hours every summer taking care of her garden, flowers and yard. She had an undeniable love for her siblings, but her major joy was spending quality time being “Busia” to her grandkids and great grandkids.
She was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the St. Clare Society.
Survivors include her children: Daniel and Kim Christensen, David and Jeanne Christensen, Thomas Christensen, Lisa Neuenfeldt and Heidi and Derek Naibert, all of Manitowoc; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sister: Carol (Joe) Van Ells; sisters-in-law: Joyce Check, Aundra (Gerald) Kohlbeck and Beverly Stegmann and special friend: Duke; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son: Timothy Christensen on February 10, 2016; sister: Ann (Bob) Kleman; brothers: Frank Check, Jr. and Stan (Leatrice) Check and brother-in-law: Jack Konop.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Marshall Site, 1114 S 21st St., Manitowoc. Concelebrating the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain and Rev. Robert Stegmann, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
