Marlene J. Witmer

Marlene Joyce Witmer entered her eternal home on February 18, 2025 at the age of 90. Marlene was born November 17, 1934 to Klaas and Mabel (Welp) Bocker and was raised on a farm near Polo, Illinois. She was joined in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Bradley Witmer, on November 14, 1953. They were married 54 years before his passing in 2008, and were the parents of three children: Gregory, Cynthia (Gil) Block, and Pamela Krapf. Marlene was blessed with five grandchildren: Stefanie (Brett) Rupp, Cory (Jenna Smith) Block, Amie (Trevor) McDonald, Caitlin (Kent) Sullentrup, and Bradley (Maggie) Witmer.  She also had six great grandchildren: Parker McDonald, Beckham McDonald, Emery Rupp, Levitt, Paxton and Truett Witmer. Her family also included step-grandchildren Kylie, Mariano, Niko, Bella and Sofia Rosado.

Marlene was predeceased by her husband, her parents, sister and brother in-law Ardis and Rex Printz, brother and sister in-law Gary and Judy Bocker, brother in-law Rick Stukenberg, and great granddaughter Levitt Witmer. She is survived by her sister, Audrey Stukenberg.

Along with her husband, she spent her life farming and owning/operating Witmer Grain in Mt. Morris for many years. Marlene loved the outdoors,  working in her flower beds, mowing her yard and entertaining family and friends. She and Brad also spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona, as well as traveling across the country in their RV.

A member of the Mt. Morris Evangelical Free Church, her other involvements included Gideon Auxiliary, Garden Gals, Birthday Club, Red Hat Group, Hospice volunteers, KSB and Food Pantry volunteers. Marlene was an avid crafter, always busy with a project including sewing, quilting, and ceramics. She could be found with her various crafts at her booth  during the annual Autumn on Parade Festival in Oregon, Illinois.

Visitation will be at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025. Following a private burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, there will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Mt. Morris Evangelical Free Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Morris Evangelical Free Church, Serenity Hospice in Oregon and Rockford Rescue Mission.