Marlene Clara Wittenauer (nee Koch), 89, of Waterloo, died Sept. 12, 2015, in Waterloo, at Oak Hill Nursing Home.

She was born March 13, 1926 in East St. Louis, daughter of the late Jacob and Emily Koch (nee Janson).

She married her beloved husband, Eugene E. Wittenauer, Jan. 29, 1947 in East St. Louis; he preceded her in death on April 12, 2010.

Marlene was a wonderful homemaker, quilter, cook, listener and mother. She was an active parishioner of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Parish in Waterloo, and formerly of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in Hecker. Her whole life centered around her Catholic faith, her family and making others happy. She was a model of love and kindness to all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Jacki (Mike) Fisher of Houston, Texas, Judy (Chris) Haberl of Waterloo, Jeanne Steinbrenner of Rochester, N.Y., Jerry (Kris) Wittenauer of Waterloo, Janet (Terry) Mullarkey of Phoenix, Ariz., and Jeff (Stacy) Wittenauer of St. Charles, Mo. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her example of quiet, unconditional love will remain in them always.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother Donald Koch.

Visitation will be at Friday, Sept. 18, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home, Waterloo.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, at 10:30 a.m., at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Waterloo, with Father Osang Idagbo C.M. officiating.

Interment will follow  at St. Augustine Cemetery in Hecker.

As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be made to Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School, Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Gibault Catholic High School or Hospice of Southern Illinois.