Marlene Jean Dretzka (nee Gielow) died peacefully the morning of April 27th at The Waters of Oak Creek. She was a resident in the Memory Care unit for close to five years. Prior to moving to The Waters, Marlene lived in South Milwaukee and Oak Creek. She was married to Robert, for almost 65 years prior to his death in May of 2021. She was a homemaker for several years raising four children then she decided to go back to college to earn her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She graduated from Alverno in 1974 and then worked for the St. Francis School District where she taught for more than 20 years primarily at the elementary level.

After retirement, Robert and Marlene were snowbirds who spent 6 months each year in Florida. They also did some traveling throughout the United States and Europe. They were blessed to enjoy their later years together until Robert's death.

Marlene and Robert belonged to Divine Mercy Parish and prior to the consolidation were members of St. Mary Parish, both in South Milwaukee.

Marlene is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her parents Marvin and Mary Gielow. She is survived by her children; Kevin (Silvia) Dretzka, Laurie (Joel) Ihde, Julie (Ron) Robinson and Jean (Bill) Myers. She has been blessed with 9 grandchildren; Emily (Dean) Loock , Lukas (Lizzie) Dretzka, Zachary (Kate) Ihde, Austin Ihde, Noah (Danielle) Ihde, Wesley (Caitlin) Robinson, Jillian Robinson, Rachael (Ethan) Campbell and Trevor Myers. Marlene also has 15 great-grandchildren.

The family would also like to thank the nursing and special caregivers of both The Waters of Oak Creek and St. Croix Hospice, for the love and respect they provided to Marlene.

The Visitation will take place at Divine Mercy Parish, 800 Marquette Ave, So. Milwaukee, on Monday, May 18, 2026, beginning at 9:30am. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11:00am with Inurnment following at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Divine Mercy Parish School, 695 E. College Ave., So. Milwaukee, 53172.