Arlene M. Marschke

July 27, 1924 - July 27, 2013

Arlene M. Marschke, of Benton Harbor, passed away on her 89th Birthday, Saturday morning, July 27, 2013, at the Willows in St. Joseph. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 30, at Saron Evangelical Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street, in St. Joseph, with Rev. Joan Oleson officiating. Burial will be private at a later date at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held following the service, Tuesday, in the church Fellowship Hall were refreshments will be provided. Memorials may be made to the church. Per her family’s wishes, messages of condolence may be sent to www.florin.net. Arlene was born July 27, 1924, in Benton Harbor to Arthur and Nellie Peterson. She has been a life-long member of the community. Arlene married Herbert Marschke on November 1, 1947 and together had five children. Arlene worked for many years as a R.N. at both Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. Arlene wanted to be remembered for being a “good mother, good wife, and always did good things.” Three words describing her life would be, Honest, Fair, and Loving. Arlene is survived by her children, Laura Marschke-Lesher of St. Joseph, Gretchen (Lloyd) Plewes of Zeeland, Stephen Marschke of St. Joseph, and Dr. Eleanor Marschke of Margate, Florida; grandchildren, Alex, Zachery (Ashley) and Whitney Lesher, Kristen (Andy) Nelson, Jenna and Josh Plewes, and Elizabeth (Marco) Broggio, and Ashley Marschke; and by three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert in 2002; son, Charles in 1981; and by her siblings, Audree Marshall and Arthur Peterson.