Marlene J. Kubitz

Marlene J. Kubitz, 77, Athens died Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Pine Ridge Assisted Living, Colby. She was born October 19, 1937 in Bismark, North Dakota to the late Alfred and Ann (Heldt) Ohnstad. Marlene was a graduate of Athens High School in the class of 1955. After high school she worked at Wausau Mutual. On July 5, 1957 she married Roger Kubitz at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. He preceded her in death on November 6, 2014. Marlene was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, and the primary live fur grader of the family mink ranch she and Roger operated for 46 years; Kubitz Fur Farm. Of their travels, some of her favorite memories were the many trips with their mink ranching friends Marlene and Lloyd Hamman. After retiring, Marlene especially looked forward to the yearly family vacations to the Minocqua and Lake Tomahawk area. Some of her greatest joys in life were spending time with her daughter, son, and grandsons, and enjoying nature; from tulips and daffodils blooming in the spring to songbirds and stray cats. Marlene loved all birds and animals; they always made her smile. Marlene dealt with many health challenges throughout the last 14 years of her life. Her huge faith and quiet strength were an inspiration to her family and those who were close to her. Survivors include her children, Terry (John) Geurkink, Hudson, Mark (Avis Nagorzanski) Kubitz, Deerfield, three grandchildren, Jack Geurkink and Chase and Tyler Kubitz, her sisters, Avery (Dale) Schaetzl, Wausau, Shirley (John) Rhyner, Weston, Aleene (Frank) Sartz, Tempe, Arizona, Marian Peak, Huntington Beach, California and Myra (John) Clampet, Boise, Idaho as well as nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. The Rev. Jeffrey Lambrecht will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, town of Hamburg. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Marlene's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com