Marlene Toepke

Marlene Marie Henke Koenig Toepke passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 26, 2019, surrounded by her family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Peace Church, New Salem, with Rev. Joshua Eddy officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date in Kalispell, MT.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Marlene was born July 30, 1935, in Bismarck, to Henry and Alma Henke of Hannover.  She was brought to faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by the power of His mighty word in baptism at St Peter's Lutheran Church in Hannover.  As a small child, she remembered being nurtured in the faith by her parents, who taught her prayers and songs and showed her the wonders of God's creation.

Marlene was very blessed to have the opportunity to attend 8 years of parochial school, followed by high school in New Salem.  She spent her college years at Concordia in Seward, NE, and became a teacher, starting her career in Fargo and shortly thereafter, relocating to Kalispell, MT.

That move brought her to Bob Koenig, a strong Christian man, whom she married and raised four children with.  During her years in MT, she was actively involved with LWML and Trinity Lutheran Church and School.

Following the passing of Bob, Marlene reconnected with and married her high school sweetheart, Gene Toepke.  They were blessed with 18 years of life together, traveling extensively and spending time with their families.

Marlene is remembered as a wonderful musician, a loving mother, grandmother, and a faithful servant to her Lord, declaring "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." Philippians 4:4.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Bob; and her eldest son, Bill.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Toepke; her children, Mary (Mark), Bobby (Barb), Kelly (Pam); and daughter-in-law, Karen (Bill); Gene's children, Todd, Sarah, and Tana (Corey); and a total of sixteen grandchildren.

Marlene requested memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 400 W California St, Kalispell, MT 59901.