Marlene Ann Kools, age 85, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 4, 2021. She was born to the late Albert and Ruth (Stenquist) Hartl on May 15, 1936 in Bismarck, North Dakota. Marlene held her Lord and Savior close to her heart and was a founding member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Appleton. While being a member, she held various roles such as: a religious education teacher, communion distributor, a liturgical leader, and a proud member of Church Women United. She was a Lady Elk and also a member of the Appleton Women's Club. Marlene enjoyed cross stitching, reading, learning about her Scandinavian and Bohemian heritage, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert "Bob"; her children: Michael (Leondra) Kools, Daniel (Sandra) Kools and Karin (Paul) Kools-Scheel; her grandchildren: Chad (Ashley) Kools, Caitlin Scheel and Kellin Scheel; her great grandson Chase Kools; siblings: Claudeen (Kenny) Boyd, Kathleen (Denny) Faltynski, Mary (Joe) Pettit, Pat (Joe) Doyle and Al Hartl, Jr.; sister-in-law Kathryn Schierl; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by both of her parents.

A Memorial Mass for Marlene will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at SAINT BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1617 W. Pine Street, Appleton. Friends may visit at church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to St. Bernard Catholic Church or sent to Church Women United at the following link: https://www.churchwomenunited.net/donate