Marlene Wallner Schulke, aged 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Milton, Georgia. She was born in her beloved New Ulm, Minnesota on June 10, 1932, to Isidor and Marie Schmitz Wallner.  Marlene had three siblings: Shirley Wallner and Connie Wallner, who preceded her in death; and Kenneth Wallner, who survives her.  She is also survived by her four children: Robin Chisolm-Seymour, Paul Schulke, Elizabeth (Lisa) Davidson, and Maria Cohen, as well as six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Marlene graduated from New Ulm High School and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Miami-Dade Community College in Florida. She completed numerous additional Journalism courses at the University of Miami.  Marlene was a member of MENSA and later earned a Georgia Master Gardener designation.  She moved from Minnesota to Miami, Florida after the birth of her second child, and lived there for several years until relocating to the Atlanta, Georgia area, where she enjoyed living for the past 22 years.

Her professional life spanned a wide range of endeavors, including work as a freelance writer published in numerous periodicals, pro golf shop manager, and Realtor.  Marlene traveled extensively, both within the US and internationally.  She approached her plethora of hobbies with enthusiasm and joy.  Among them were entertaining, gardening, baking, playing games such as Scrabble and Rummikub, painting, needlepoint, crocheting and making jewelry.  Fiercely independent, Marlene overcame numerous hardships during her life with ingenuity, resilience, determination and her faith in God.  Always putting others first, Marlene was a valued volunteer with organizations such as the Forsyth (GA) Extension Service, Northside Forsyth Hospital and the Board of her neighborhood Homeowner's Association.

Marlene was treasured by many and will always be remembered for her independence and strength, her boundless creativity and above all, the selfless, unwavering love and generosity that she showered on those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed.  Marlene is now back "home".

A graveside service will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery in New Ulm, Minnesota.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org