Marlene J. Schultz often told her children that the rumble of thunder was simply “people bowling in heaven,” a comforting thought she shared during stormy nights. With the many thunderstorms heard this April, her family finds peace in imagining her joyfully reunited with loved ones at that heavenly bowling alley. Marlene passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah at the age of 84.
Marlene June (Wenzel) Schultz was born June 6, 1941, in Shawano, Wisconsin, to the late Carl and Viola (Schoenick) Wenzel. She attended St. James Lutheran School, where she was later confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church. A 1959 graduate of Shawano High School, Marlene developed a lifelong love of music, enjoying both choir and playing the flute for many years.
She met Jerome “Jerry” Schultz at a wedding dance, and the two quickly became inseparable on the dance floor and beyond. They were united in marriage on April 29, 1962, at St. James Lutheran Church. Together, they built a life in Leopolis, Wisconsin, where they owned and operated Schultz’s Hilltop Dairy Farm for decades. Marlene managed the farm’s bookkeeping and, at age 65, proudly fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning her business degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
Agriculture and advocacy were central to Marlene’s life. Through their involvement with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, she and Jerry traveled extensively, attending national conventions and promoting agriculture both in Washington, D.C., and at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Marlene also served as a leader on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and the Shawano County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, where she helped organize numerous June Dairy Month “Brunch on the Farm” events.
A proud breast cancer survivor, Marlene became a passionate advocate for awareness and support. She helped found the first breast cancer support group in Shawano and later served as an honorary chair, alongside her daughter, for the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-Run in Green Bay. Her support group regularly participated in the event, often earning recognition as one of the top fundraising teams.
Bowling was one of Marlene’s greatest passions—one she credited with helping her through her cancer journey. Even during treatment, she refused to step away from the sport she loved. Over nearly 60 years, she earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Shawano-Clintonville United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, an honor she deeply cherished.
Marlene and Jerry were devoted members of St. John Lutheran Church-Hermansfort, where she was active in the Ladies Aid. The couple shared 59 years of marriage before Jerry’s unexpected passing in 2021.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Teri (Brian Mesmer) Barr Schultz; her sons, Randy (Paula) Schultz and Brian (Lisa) Schultz; and her grandchildren, Lukcy Charms, Stephanie (Mike) Borth, and Logan Schultz. She is further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome “Jerry” Schultz; her parents, Carl and Viola Wenzel; her brother, Richard “Dick” Wenzel; and her sister, Mavis (Wenzel) Kubitz, who passed away just one week after Marlene.
She will be remembered for her love of Friday fish fries shared with family and friends, as well as her enthusiastic support of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and especially her grandson’s sporting events.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marlene’s life by wearing their favorite sports team attire. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano, with Pastor Colin Moon officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. The date holds special meaning, as it marks what would have been Marlene and Jerry’s wedding anniversary—a day their children thoughtfully chose for her service. A gathering will follow at Lakeshore Lanes Bowling Center in Shawano.
A private inurnment will take place at St. John Lutheran Church-Hermansfort Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. John’s Lutheran Church-Hermansfort Cheer Committee or the St. James Lutheran School-Shawano Booster Club.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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