Marlene Jean Koontz, 88, of Union Mills, Ind., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020.
She was born Nov. 4, 1932, in Sawyer, Mich., to Frank and Martha (Schmidt) Janisch, growing up on their farm in Union Mills.
On Oct. 27, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Eugene “Gene” Koontz. Marlene and Eugene were married for 69 years, during which time they traveled to San Diego and Florida while Gene served in the Marines.
Marlene taught in the La Porte, Ind., school system for over 20 years, touching the lives of many children. She was active in all of her children’s activities: band, baseball (where she kept score for 14 years), football, and any event in which her family was involved. Marlene and Gene continued traveling the countryside, following grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their activities for the remainder of her years.
Marlene was a kind, loving and intelligent person who was always caring for others. She enjoyed life as a pilot, seamstress, wonderful cook, and the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother one could ever ask for. God blessed the world with her, and we thank God for her.
Marlene is survived by her husband, Eugene, children, Teri Aubin of La Porte, Jim Koontz of Hanna, Ind., Jeff (Kelly) Koontz of Union Mills and Steve (Maria) Koontz of Hanna; sister-in-law, Leta Janisch of La Porte; 10 grandchildren, William, Gregory, Craig, Stanley, Matt, Adam, Ryan, Kyle, Alexandria, and Nicholas; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter-in-law, Darlene Koontz; a son-in-law, Robert Aubin; and brothers, Ron and Don Janisch.
Cremation has taken place. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, is handling arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.