Marie (Lein) Smith
age 93, passed into eternal life in the early morning hours of Friday, December 15, 2023. She was born in Munster, Germany on July 15, 1930, to Heinrich Lein and Katherine (Wassmuth) Lein. She was the youngest of four children.

Growing up in Germany during World War II, walking to school or gathering food could be life-threatening.  At the age of 13, Marie had to leave home and work as a domestic aide for a dentist in Butzbach to help support her family while finishing high school. After the war she worked as a nurse's assistant in Bad Nauheim Hospital and met an American soldier who became her husband.  The trials and traumas of her early years forged the strength and fortitude that defined Marie and established her as a powerful and dedicated woman, capable of surviving under difficult circumstances.

In April of 1954 she immigrated to the United States with her husband and first-born son. They settled in Appleton, and four more children followed. Marie soon found herself a single parent needing to work multiple jobs while exercising her creativity to provide for her young family.  After nearly 13 years working her way up within Presto Products, supervisors were impressed by her positive attitude and her focus on always giving her best effort.  A difficult decision to retire early and care for her chronically ill daughter was also an obvious decision, because Marie's highest priority throughout her life was to nurture, protect, and promote her children.

When family responsibilities eased, Marie dedicated her efforts to volunteering and supporting the less fortunate in her community.  She dedicated three days of each week to the St. Joseph Food Program and the Community Clothes Closet for over 25 years, until physical limitations and health concerns prevented her from continuing.  Through it all, those who knew Marie came to appreciate her devious smile and colorful comments, often expressed in her native German.

Marie is survived by her children: Robert (Connie) Smith, William (Marcie) Smith, Linda (Robert) Brown, Doris Smith, son-in-law John Sternhagen, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.  Preceding her in death were siblings Annie, Otto, and Karl, daughter Cynthia (Smith) Sternhagen, and grand-daughter Samantha Sternhagen.  She was also preceded by dear friend Willard Rohloff, an appreciative dancing and traveling partner who provided many years of faithful companionship.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 22, 2023, at Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel (606 North Oneida Street, Appleton) from 10:00 a.m. until the start of a prayer service at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph's Food Pantry (920-734-9461).

Special thanks to the entire staff at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom for over five years of care and compassion for our Oma.