MADISON - Marie C. Schlender, 96, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at her daughter’s home.

Marie was born in Milford, Wis., in Jefferson County, at her family home, on Jan. 11, 1927. She was the daughter of Edwin and Clara (Abendroth) Menz. Marie attended Lake Mills High School and there she met her future husband, Roger Schlender. After Roger returned from service in Germany, they married at the St. John’s church parsonage on Christmas day, 1947. They were happily married for 63 years. Marie and Roger relocated to Madison where Marie worked at Northwestern Insurance Company while Roger attended college. After they welcomed their son, Jeffrey, and their daughter, Katherine, Marie stayed home to care for her children, while also running her own bookkeeping business. Later, Marie resumed her career as a bookkeeper with United Bank of Madison, retiring in 1989. She lived in her home where she raised her family up until the time of her death.

Marie was an avid gardener and lover of all varieties of plants. She had a flair for interior decorating and style. When she wasn’t checking out the latest fashions and home decor in stores, she was poring over magazines to stay on top of the trends. Marie loved wintering in their home in Arizona, enjoying the warm weather, being with their friends, and dancing at the local honky-tonks. She continued her love of dancing at “Country Corners” in Madison, while befriending patrons, musicians, staff and the owner, Tricia. Marie especially loved being with her family. Whether it was a special event, or a simple gathering, she was up for anything and could be counted on to bring joy to all who were with her.

Marie was preceded in death by her father, Edwin; mother, Clara; sister, Roberta Jane; brother, Sherburne “Tom;” husband, Roger; and nephew, Timothy. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Michelle LeMeiux) Schlender and Katherine (Chris) Schlender-Adams; grandchildren, Angela Schlender, Christopher (Kimberly) Adams, Jeremy (Erica Washa) Adams, Roger (Sara) Schlender, Mathew (Caitlin Chitwood) Adams, Gregory (Nicholas Zinke) Schlender, Emily Schlender and Sarah Schlender; great-grandchildren, Austin Angus, Connor Angus, Leo Angus, Bailey Schlender, Trent Schlender, Aiden Schlender and Carter Adams; many beloved nieces and nephews, close friends, Kim Knorr and Steve Schulze, and her adored Odie, who stayed by her side.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023.

A special thank you to the compassionate, enduring care from Dr. Lynda Siewert and Nurse Angel, and the caregivers from Agrace Age at Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Agrace, Monona Evangelical Lutheran Church where she and Roger were members since the 1950s, or to Underdog Pet Rescue.

Marie left an indelible mark on all who knew her. If being loved is the ultimate measure of a life, Marie’s life was immeasurable.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Marie Schlender

January 11, 1927 - December 10, 2023

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