Marleen Kay Schmidt

Marleen Kay (Wardenburg) Schmidt, 77, of Orlando, Florida, passed away at Orlando Regional Medical Center on January 16. A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 20 at 2:00 pm. A memorial service will also be held in Iowa at a later date.

Marleen was born on April 28, 1946 in Dyersville, Iowa, the youngest child of Erwin and Leona (Meinke) Wardenburg. She attended Lutheran Interparish School and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1964. While in high school, Marleen met Ron at a basketball game while Ron was home on leave from the Air Force. They were married on June 18, 1966 in Williamsburg.

Marleen worked for several organizations throughout her career including Northwest Bell, Sealy, Goelitz Confectionary and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Marleen was also an active member of Prince of Peace, devoting her time to numerous committees and the food pantry. Marleen enjoyed doing cross stitch and crocheting, making hats and stuffed animals for Winnie Palmer Hospital; volunteering with Ron at Orlando Health; entertaining, especially Friday night dinners with Bob and Linda Cuilla; and spending time with friends and family, including their most recent trip to Wisconsin at Christmas.

Marleen will be remembered for her generosity, infectious laugh, and her love of family and friends, including riding rollercoasters with her grandchildren.

Marleen is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Tamara Kappler; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Janelle Schmidt; grandchildren, Kyle and Dan Kunz, Cassidy and Braden Schmidt; sister, Karen Schwarting, brother, and sister-in-law, Richard and Judy Wardenburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother-in-law, Harlan and Verona Schmidt, and her brother-in-law, Gerald Schwarting.

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.