Marlene A. Potratz

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marlene Potratz, age 85 on May 2, 2023. Marlene was born on December 22, 1937, in Ripon, WI, to the late Claude and Dorothy (Smith) Wagner. Marlene graduated from Rosendale High School in 1955 and married Allan Borchardt on May 10, 1958. Marlene grew up in Rosendale and lived in Rosendale for many years. She was a lifelong member of United Church of Christ in Rosendale and served on the Church Council. Marlene was also active in Women's Fellowship where she served as past president several times. Marlene loved to sing and was a member of the Church's choir for many years, and for a period of time, sang in the Church Trio. Marlene was also a member of the Rosendale Homemakers where she served as past president. Marlene was an Assistant Brownie leader, volunteered at St. Agnes Hospital and at Rosendale Elementary School as a teacher's aide. Marlene's working career was mostly in education. She worked several years at Marian College in Fond du Lac in the media department and worked in the library at Laconia High School for 30 years receiving a Certificate of Commendation in recognition for her service to the children in Wisconsin Public Schools. She also worked as an Avon representative for many years. Marlene married Marlow Potratz on September 3, 1979 and moved to his home in Van Dyne. Together she helped Marlow run his bar, Sportsman's Bar, in Eldorado, WI before the business was sold. They enjoyed many years together and celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary before his death in 2009. Marlene loved working in her flower gardens, reading, singing, and spending time with her family and friends. Marlene is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Greg) Weber and Brian Borchardt (Jeff Morin). She is further survived by Marlow's children, and her step-grandchildren who she considered as her grandchildren, Laura (Doug) Prunty, Jeremy Leichtfuss, Kristy (Jamie) Vermeer, Jennifer Potratz (Jeremiah Miller), Charity (Tony) Bukowski, Nicholas Potratz, Phillip Potratz (Tano Serna), Jeremy Potratz, Cory (Sharon) Potratz, Tony Potratz and Jamie Potratz, great step-grandchildren, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlow Potratz, her parents and infant brother, Ronald Wagner. VISITATION: The family will greet friends from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, and from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Rosendale United Church of Christ, 204 West Division Street, Rosendale. SERVICE: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Rosendale United Church of Christ, with Rev. Wes Wassell and Rev. Wanda Veldman officiating. Burial to follow at Rosendale Cemetery. Special thanks to the Courtyard at Oshkosh for all their support and care of our mother, Stephanie Tavs of Blue Stone Physicians, Pro Medica Palliative Care and Pro Medica Hospice.

Marlene A. Potratz

December 22, 1937 - May 2, 2023