Marlene Graff's Memorial Service Video

Marlene R. Graff, age 89 of New London passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Washington Center in New London.  Marlene was born on July 7, 1935 to the late Floyd and Ruth (McGowan) Schoenrock.  She attended Washington Senior High School, graduating with the class of 1953.  Marlene was an active student in high school, participating as a cheerleader.  She was the first one in her family to graduate high school. In 1953 she married Robert W. Klatt. Marlene and Robert had five children.  She worked for years in the clothing department at Lee VanDrees in New London.  In her younger years, Bob instilled in Marlene a love for horses.  They rode together in parades, and as Bob participated in rodeos, Marlene was in the rodeo color guard.

In 1976, Marlene married Clarence Graff.  They had one child, and together made many special family memories.  She moved to Appleton, living there for better than a decade.  Marlene worked at Sav-U-Foods, was a demonstrator at Sam's Club and a clerk at Goodwill.  She finally returned to New London and worked in the bakery at Festival Foods.  She worked hard her entire life and grudgingly retired at the age of 72.  Marlene loved her children and grandchildren very much, and although she spoke of many regrets in life, she expressed that God had forgiven her of her sins and that He had done so much for her.  She was grateful at the end of her life and reconciled her life to God. Marlene left a legacy of kindness and strength for her children to carry on.

Marlene had a wonderfully, funny sense of humor.  She loved animals, family cookouts and being outdoors, especially in her backyard.  Marlene's favorite pastime was going shopping, junking and "Goodwilling"!

Marlene is survived by her children, Pamela (Ray) Smith, Robert Klatt, Lisa (Marshal) Larson, Sandy (Bill) Postel and Corey (Michelle) Graff; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and her siblings, Dan (Joyce) Schoenrock and Betty Blank, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her husbands; son, William Klatt; granddaughter, Karissa Kletzien; step-daughter, Mary Graff; sisters, Evelyn and Caroline, along with her brothers, Chuck and Donny.

The Memorial Service for Marlene will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London with Pastor Adin Crandall officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be at Floral Hill Cemetery, New London.