Marlene M.
Glassel
- Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2025 from 10-11:15am
- HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH 138 North 8th Avenue West Bend, WI 53095
- Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am
- Private entombment Wisconsin Memorial Park Brookfield, WI
Marlene Marie Glassel
Marlene Marie (Atwell) Glassel, 93, went to be with her heavenly father on March 1st, 2025.
Marlene is survived by her husband, Howie, and sons, Brian and Brad. Brian’s family includes wife Kathy, daughters Alexa Thiet and Micki Mantz, and son Matthew. Alexa is married to Brian Thiet, and they have two daughters, Sienna and Eva. Micki is married to Brandon Mantz. Brad is married to Alicia Glassel, and they have one daughter, Hope.
Marlene was born on February 8th, 1932, in Manitowoc, WI, to her parents, Harry and Marie Atwell. Along with her siblings, Don, Joanne, and William, the family spent most of their early years together, living in the Walkers Point neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI. All have proceeded her in death. She was the last remaining member of the direct family at the time of her passing.
Marlene attended grade school at Saint Wenceslaus, where she also received her first communion and confirmation. Her faith remained an essential part of her life. She went on to graduate from South Division High School. Her early career included working as an office assistant for Blue Cross Health. She later became a skilled jewelry salesperson for Gimbels and Boston stores. She was also an experienced sewist and made many of her and her family’s clothes.
Marlene had a storybook marriage to the love of her life, Howie, and they soon were to celebrate the 74th year of their time together. They met at a big band concert at The Eagle Club. While there, Howie and his friend saw two young ladies they wanted to ask to dance and flipped a coin to decide who they would ask. Howie won and chose to ask Marlene, and the rest is history. It was not the norm at the time for relationships to be allowed between a Catholic (Marlene) and a Lutheran (Howard). After some early conflicts, Howie credits his future mother-in-law Marie with bringing them back together. They married in the Catholic priest’s rectory on April 7th, 1951, because a church wedding was prohibited. They left the next day for a honeymoon in Memphis, TN; of course, Howie got lost on the way.
They went on to raise their sons, Brian and Brad. They began living in the upper unit of Howie’s parents, Rudy and Edna’s duplex on North Holton Street until they could buy their first home on 21st Street on Milwaukee’s south side. The family was everything to Marlene. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved their time together. Most of their social time was spent with her extended family and life-long friends. There were often meals with the brothers and sisters’ families, card clubs, and the annual vacations to northern Wisconsin. In retirement, they enjoyed a vacation property in the Upper Peninsula for many years.
Their golden years were spent in a condominium in Jackson, WI, and then in the Cedar Community in West Bend. Marlene loved playing cards, including Sheep’s Head and was known to collect more than a few coins at bingo games.
It should be noted that Marlene was a type one diabetic, diagnosed with the disease in June 1955 at the age of 23. Due to her own attention to proper health, she lived an unusually long and active life. In 2005, she received the Lilly for Life 50-Year Insulin Award and surpassed that with an additional 20 years. Her doctors believe it could be a record of survival.
Marlene passed away peacefully, with Howie ever present at her side in her last days, as it has been for 74 years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2025 from 10-11:15am at HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH 138 North 8th Avenue West Bend, WI 53095, Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am. Fellowship and reception at church will follow Mass. Private entombment Wisconsin Memorial Park Brookfield, WI.
www.heritagefuneral.com
I met Howie and Marlene when my father, Herbie Stark,, married Howie’s sister, Ellen Kerlin. My husband and I met Howie and Marlene at that time and always thought of her as my step aunt. We loved spending time with Marlene whenever possible. I enjoyed hosting Sheepshead lunches with her and Howie at our house, which gave us quality time together. We are currently in Florida and are heartbroken we cannot attend her funeral. I have looked at numerous options to return home early, but we just cannot make it work. We will be there in spirit. Rest in peace Aunt Marlene!
My heart goes out to you, Mr. Glassel, Brian and Brad, during this difficult time. Mrs. Glassel was such a beautiful person and a wonderful friend of ours for years! She helped my father and me so much after my mother passed away, showing us great kindness and compassion. I’ll always remember the extreme pride she had in her family and home, and her many talents, including cooking, sewing, and sheepshead. The MFD get togethers were always so much fun with her too! Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Sending my love. Jan Kramschuster (Jack and Audrey Hoeft’s daughter)
What beautiful Memories. A full life by any measure. May you all find Peace, continued Love and understanding.
We all lost a true friend, a Great wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, & aunt. Marlene was on of a kind, her caring for her family & friends.
And having to watch her Diabetes for over 63 years.
I knew them for over 60 years and never knew a couple closer than those two. We all have great memories of the past.
Marlene, may you rest in peace. Our sincere sympathy to the Glassel family.
Marv & Jan Glass
Rest in peace dear sweet Marlene,
Carol Kuester
Marlene and Howie were our neighbors on 21st Street in Milwaukee. They set a great example for the young families in the neighborhood. Although I lost track of them over the years, I remember them fondly.
My condolences to Howie and family.