Marlene G. Kocken, 61 of De Pere, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on March 27, 2024.

Marlene was the third born of ten children to Marvin Sr. and Patricia (Krautkramer) Biese. The family owned a farm in Wrightstown, WI and the importance of hardwork, family and fun were learned at an early age.

Marlene attended St. Paul's Catholic School where she learned the love of God and education. She graduated from Wrightstown High School in 1980. Marlene knew how to have a good time and made friends everywhere she went.

She began an amazing career with the United States Post Office (USPS) as a letter carrier in Green Bay, WI in 1986. Her 37-year career at the USPS took her to the position of Fleet Operations Specialist in Washington, DC where she helped manage all of the postal vehicles on the road across America. Through this career she was well-respected by both her leadership and colleagues. Many of her greatest friends she met while working for the USPS.

Marlene's sons, William and Nicholas were her whole world. She gave them the gift of travel, taking frequent family road trips and even reaching all 50 states before the boys were adults. Marlene loved to travel and took many trips around the world and she did so with a huge smile, laughter and while walking faster than most anyone could keep up with.

Family was everything to Marlene and she cherished every moment with her large family. When her son's created their own families, it was easy to see how much she loved her grandchildren. She rarely missed moments with them, being there for many of their sport and school functions, birthday parties, simple meals and outings and even made sure they were able to take vacations together.

In her unwavering faith, Marlene found solace and strength during life's trials, always trusting in God's plan.  Her unwavering faith inspired everyone around her, and her legacy of kindness and compassion will forever remain in our hearts.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Marlene will forever be remembered for many things, but her love of her family will be the greatest of all. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Marlene is survived by son, William and Chelsea Kocken and their children Josie and Riley; son, Nicholas and Heidi Kocken and their children Jameson and Madelynn; parents, Marvin Sr. and Patricia Biese; siblings, Carolyn (Mike) Van Asten, Cheryl (Reg) Robertson, Sue (Steve) Smudde, Theresa (Joe) Van Asten, Chris (Mark) Van Gheem, Sally (Randy) Geurts, Jean (Scott) Van Dyn Hoven, Tom Biese (Sherry Thyssen), Marvin Jr. (Patty) Biese; former husband, Alan Kocken and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Walter and Cecilia Krautkramer and Aloysious and Mary Biese.

Friends and family may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (1305 Lourdes Avenue, De Pere) on Friday, April 5 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Marlene to MD Anderson Cancer Center or The Cancer Team at Bellin Health.

Marlene's family would like to extend special thanks to the Cancer Team at Bellin Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Unity Hospice for their outstanding and thoughtful care for Marlene and her family during her three-year battle with cancer.

Per Marlene's wishes, please wear yellow or your favorite color on Friday.