Marlene J. (Gatzke) Minke

Marlene J. Minke, 82, of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home on April 20, 2022.  Marlene was born on May 10, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Robert and Bertha (Buckenburger) Gatzke.

Marlene was raised in Minnesota.  She married Kenneth Minke on September 12, 1959, in St. Paul.  They owned and operated the Village Pizza in North St. Paul for 13 years and then moved to Balsam Lake where they owned and operated the Paradise Lodge Supper Club for 24 years.  She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake and W.E.L.C.A.  Marlene was an avid reader, and the Balsam Lake Librarian worked hard to keep her supplied with her favorite murder mysteries.  Her passions included playing 500 with the local senior's groups, and she never ever missed a Twins game!

She leaves to celebrate her memory: children, Tami Anderson, Rex (Judy) Minke, Debra Minke, Terrance Minke, William (Yvonne) Minke, and Lynn (Jeff) Osborne, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Godchildren, sisters, June LaCroix and Patricia Branson, her constant companion, Bob Peterson, and many other family and friends.  She was preceded by her parents, Robert and Bertha, her husband, Kenneth, son, Nykolas Minke, and brother, Cletus Gatzke.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. Marlene’s family will greet visitors at the church from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. 

She will be laid to rest at the Balsam Lake Cemetery following the service.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

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