Marlene Ann Nowak (Kromraj) peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born on December 5, 1936 to loving parents Zenon and Helen Kromraj.

Marlene was known as "Dolly," a nickname given to her by her adoring father. She was a kind, and smart young girl graduating at the top of her class before beginning her career as an organized bookkeeper. Dolly was enjoying a night out with her parents when she met the love of her life, Jerry. She boldly invited him and his friend to her house to learn to polka and Jerry showed up, marking the start of their 67 years together. As the years went on and their family grew, Marlene proudly shared her love of polka with her children and grandchildren, bringing joy and fun to family celebrations.

She will be remembered for beginning many family traditions such as crocheting afghans for weddings and baby showers, crafting plastic canvas decorations, exchanging Christmas cookies, and enjoying summers in the Northwoods. Dolly was an avid reader, a competitive card player, regular casino goer, Brewers fan, and bowler. She was happiest when she was creating special gifts for others, spending time at the cabin with family up north, and twirling around the dance floor with her daughters and granddaughters dancing the Polish hop.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents, brother Zenon Kromraj Jr., and grandson Deric Kolvenbach.

She is survived by her loving husband Gerald Nowak, and brothers Gordon (Betty) and Jerome (Judy).

Marlene's legacy lives on through her 6 children Raymond (Bette) Nowak, Gail (Paul) Kolvenbach, Janet (John) Montijo, Dawn (James) Ligocki, Paul Nowak, and Sharon (Jeff) Zawicki.

Her love continues on through her 13 grandchildren Stephanie (Jeff), Krystal (Matt), Pauly, John Luis (Sabina), Heather (Alex), Tony (Kaitlyn), Jordynn, Bobby, JJ (Rachel), Sara Anne (Corey), Rachel (Gabe), Lauren (Trevor), and Michael.

Busia will be remembered by her 16 great-grandchildren Oliver, Paige, Miles, Jack, John Matthew, Vince, Andrew, John Tomas, Linus, Chase, Amaya, Mila, Anthony, Shea, Ben, and Leo.

Marlene is further survived by long time friends and weekend card playing buddies John and Gail Ligocki. She will also be missed by nieces, nephews, and many more friends and family.

Marlene's family would like to thank the nurses and staff in the Froedtert Neuro ICU and Aurora Zilber Family Hospice for their devoted and compassionate care.

Visitation at the Funeral Home Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Funeral Service at 7:00 P.M. Interment Services Friday, July 5, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Northwoods National Cemetery (4520 Lakewood Rd, Harshaw, WI 54529). Please meet directly at the cemetery at 12:45 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association.