Marlene “Granny” Brunckhorst (Smelzer), 86, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 in Whitewater, WI.

Marlene was born on December 18, 1936, to Harold and Pearl (Adams) Smelzer of Dodgeville, WI. She married William Brunckhorst at the First Congregational Church in Spring Green, WI on August 16, 1958. Marlene began her education in Highland, WI and graduated high school in 1953. She went on to study education, receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and her Master’s in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Marlene worked as a third grade teacher at East Troy Elementary School in East Troy, WI for a number of years where she met some of her lifelong friends. Marlene enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with her family on Squirrel Lake in Minocqua, WI. She also loved shopping at TJ Maxx, going out for a delicious meal and spending time with friends.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Jane (Joe) Loizzo of Minocqua, WI; grandchildren: Lauren Bailey of Woodbridge, VA, Jackson Bailey (Evie) of Fond Du Lac, WI, Andy Loizzo of Oconomowoc, WI, and Alison (John) Bohl of Beaver Dam, WI; great-grandchildren: Violet and Cecelia Loizzo and Morgan and Blake Bohl; nephews: Michael (Tara) Cotherman, and Steve Cotherman; niece, Michelle (Mark) Humbert. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; daughters: Anne and Mary; parents: Harold and Pearl; sister Sandra; brother Ronald and sister-in-law Marge.

A Celebration of life honoring Marlene will take place from 2-5 p.m. on August 18, 2023, at the Fuzzy Pig, N8660 Clover Valley Rd., Whitewater, WI 53190. Please feel free to come and go during this time to celebrate Marlene with her family.

Memorials may be made to the Bill and Marlene Bruckhorst Endowment Scholarship for International Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com