Marlene J. Schultz used to tell her children the sound of thunder was “people bowling in heaven.” It was her way of keeping them calm during stormy weather. Hearing so many thunderstorms this April, she has surely joined relatives and friends at the great bowling alley in the sky. She passed away peacefully at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 84.

Marlene June (Wenzel) Schultz was born on June 6, 1941, to the late Carl and Viola (Schoenick) Wenzel in Shawano, Wisconsin. She attended St. James Lutheran School and was confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church. Marlene then went to Shawano High School where she enjoyed singing in the choir and playing flute, two things she continued for many years. She graduated in 1959.

Marlene met Jerome “Jerry” Schultz at a wedding dance, and they danced their dating days away. She married Jerry on April 29, 1962, at St. James Lutheran Church. They made their home in Leopolis, Wisconsin, where they owned and operated Schultz’s Hilltop Dairy Farm for decades. Marlene kept the books for their business and at the age of 65, proudly completed something she’d always dreamed of – she earned her business degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation always played a big role in their lives, and the couple traveled to attend many national conventions across the country. They also advocated for farming, food, and agriculture while meeting with lawmakers in Washington D.C. and at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Marlene served as a Wisconsin Farm Bureau Women’s Committee leader and on the Shawano County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, hosting years of June Dairy Month Brunch on the Farm events all around the county.

Marlene was a proud breast cancer survivor and became active in raising awareness about the disease. She was a founding member of the first breast cancer support group in Shawano and joined her daughter as an honorary chair of the first Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-Run in Green Bay. Marlene’s support group also attended several years with her (it is still an annual event), often being recognized as one of the top fundraising teams for breast cancer research at the walk-run.

She would probably tell you bowling saved her life while battling cancer and though doctors suggested she “take a break during her treatments,” she refused. Marlene had been an avid bowler for years and planned to continue for many more – she considered her time at the alley both for recreation and connection. Marlene earned many accolades and trophies during close to 60 years of involvement, but she was especially proud to be inducted into the Shawano-Clintonville United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. It was an honor she cherished.

Marlene and Jerry were long-time members of St. John Lutheran Church-Hermansfort where she was a Ladies Aid member. The couple spent 59 adventurous years together before Jerry’s unexpected passing in 2021.

Marlene is survived by her daughter, Teri (Brian Mesmer) Barr Schultz, and sons Randy (Paula) Schultz, and Brian (Lisa) Schultz. She will be an angel over her grandchildren, Lukcy Charms, Stephanie (Mike) Borth, and Logan Schultz. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Jerome Schultz; parents, Carl and Viola Wenzel; brother, Richard “Dick” Wenzel; and sister, Mavis (Wenzel) Kubitz who passed away one week after Marlene.

Marlene will be fondly remembered for her love of Friday fish fries with family and friends along with her gusto when cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and her grandson’s sports teams.

You are invited to wear your favorite sports team’s gear as part of celebrating her life. A service is set for 11:30 am on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Pastor Colin Moon officiating. Visitation will start at 10:00 am and continue until the time of the service. April 29 is also Marlene and Jerry’s wedding anniversary date, and the day their children purposely 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. If you choose to make a memorial donation in Marlene’s name, the family suggests St. John’s Lutheran Church-Hermansfort Cheer Committee or St. James Lutheran School-Shawano Booster Club.

Thank you to Swedberg Funeral Home for assisting with arrangements.