Marlene Howe

MADISON-Marlene Kathryn (Kruger) Howe, age 83, of Madison, passed away peacefully after a five year courageous battle with lung cancer and COPD, on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, at St. Mary's Hospital with family at her side. She was born on Oct. 6, 1933, in Madison, the daughter of Roy and Hazel (Dunbar) Kruger. She was united in marriage to Larry Howe on Aug. 25, 1951 at Luther Memorial Church, together they were blessed with 66 years. Marlene dedicated her hardworking and caring heart to her family, working as a homemaker. She was an active supporter of the Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts, always happy to help her children as loyal participants. Marlene and her husband were members of Luther Memorial Church. Marlene loved the time spent in her garden, and making time for her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. Her incredible cooking skills never went unnoticed, she always treasured the time spent making her renowned holiday specials for her family. Marlene also enjoyed the moments at Ho Chunk Casino in Baraboo, where she made many lasting friendships. Attending many auctions with Larry, she encouraged him to pursue a career as an auctioneer, while she became his assistant. Marlene is survived by husband, Larry; daughter, Kathleen (Ray Muller) Howe; daughter-in-law, Diane Howe; two grandchildren, Benjamin (Devan Abrahamson) Howe and Ryan Howe; great-grandchild, Autumn Howe; sister, Margaret "Marge" (James "Jim") Luther; two sisters-in-law, Inez Kruger and Carol Kruger; two step-brothers, Robert (Carolyn) Lovelace and Gary Lovelace; step brother-in-law, Robert Fickes; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kristine Lee Howe; son, Larry Daniel “Dan” Howe; two step-fathers, Boyd Parkinson and Wilbur Lovelace; two brothers, Roy Kruger and Robert Kruger; step-sister, Joyce Fickes; and step-brother, Bill (Verda) Lovelace. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, with the Rev. Brad Pohlman presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's choice in Marlene’s memory. Special thank you to Dr. Yamil Arbaje and the oncology staff at Dean-St. Mary's Hematology & Oncology for all their care given to Marlene and her family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive       608-221-5420