Marlene Mae (Merwin) S

chwartz Marlene Mae (Merwin) Schwartz, 79, formerly of Medford, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. Prior to death, Marlene had expressed her desire to be cremated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral or memorial services will not be held at the wishes of her husband, Joseph. The family will consider a memorial service at a later date. Marlene was a 1959 graduate of Boscobel High School, received a bachelor degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University and her State of Iowa Board of Instruction teacher’s certificate grades K-9 in 1981. Throughout her adult life, Marlene was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and the Methodist Church. She was the previous co-owner of Brennan’s Department Store with her husband Joseph on Main Street in Medford from 1982 through 1993. While working at and after closing the store, Marlene was a substitute teacher in the Medford Area and worked at the former Mid- Wisconsin Bank. Marlene’s many talents included cooking, camping, card games and spending time with family and friends. Marlene and Joseph were members of the national Good Sam Club and enjoyed traveling with their pull trailer camper to multiple State’s Samboree Camping and RV rally events often attended with their children. Marlene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer and friend who loved casual conversation. She was an avid collector of antiques, ceramic owls, salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars and cookbooks. These collectors’ items and their acquisitions were often a matter of pride and the subject of conversation.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mae Merwin; and her sister, Minnie Rider.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 60 years, Joseph; daughter, Melissa Kunz; two sons; Stacy and Jeffrey Schwartz; three grandchildren, Kendall Kunz and Allison and Elizabeth Schwartz; siblings, Johnny and Harlan Merwin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the hospice care provided by Ascension at Home Healthcare.

Condolences can be sent to the email address: marlene.schwartz79@gmail.com.

Paid Obituary 93887