Marlene Joan Kroger

Marlene Brehmer Kroger, 81, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, at her home. Her faithful caretakers and family members were at her bedside. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel, with Chaplain Mark Westrick officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Hartley Iowa. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Marlene Joan Brehmer, the daughter of Julius and Laura (Strampe) Brehmer, was born on Aug. 8, 1932, in Hartley, Iowa. Marlene was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley. She attended the Hartley Elementary and High School and was very proud that she never missed a day and was never tardy, kindergarten through high school. She played first team basketball during her high school years and her team made it to the state tournament each year. She was drum majorette with the high school band all four years and was a champion baton twirler. She also participated in vocal music. She was honored to be chosen Oracle Queen in her senior year. She graduated in 1950 and went on to the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City, where she earned her RN degree. She worked in nursing for many years, reluctantly retiring several years ago because of declining health. Marlene married Robert Kroger in 1953. Two children were born to this union, Lori Kae and Guy Ace. She and Robert were later divorced. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lori Ames; and son, Guy Kroger and his wife, Sue. Marlene doted on her grandchildren, Derrick, Ryan and Justin Ames, Jennifer Kroger, and Jessica Gormally. She was happy when she became a great-grandmother to Jennifer's son, Andrew. Marlene and her former son-in-law, Bill Ames, remained close family friends throughout the years. Marlene is also survived by her sister and husband, Betty and Cloy Hirt of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and many other relative and friends. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William "Bill" Brehmer and his baby daughter, Billie Lee. His widow, Esther Kammerer, also survives. Memorial may be given to Hospice of Siouxland. The family would like to give a special thank you to the following: Synergy healthcare, caretakers in her home, Dr. Opheim and staff, and Holy Spirit Nursing Home.