Marlene Marie Henke Koenig Toepke, 83

| June 16, 2019 4:00 AM

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

Marlene was born July 30, 1935, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Henry and Alma Henke of Hannover, North Dakota. 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, North Dakota. 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 eight years of parochial school, followed by high school in New Salem, North Dakota. She spent her college years at Concordia, Seward, Nebraska, and became a teacher, starting her career in Fargo, North Dakota, and shortly thereafter, relocating to Kalispell.

That move brought her to Bob Koenig, a strong Christian man, whom she married and raised four children with. During her years in Kalispell, she was actively involved with Lutheran Women’s Missionary League 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 was 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 16 grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

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