Marlene A Franz, age 65, a Manitowoc resident, entered into heaven's gates on Saturday, March 10, 2018 after a very brief illness.

Marlene was born on September 27, 1952 in Merrill to the late Harold and Arlene (Piel) Budsberg.  She graduated from Lincoln High school with the class of 1970.  On September 14, 1974, Marlene married David Franz.  She worked various factory jobs including Mirro and Aitken-Reed.  Marlene also arranged flowers for Daisy's Gifts and Crafts and Supersaver. Prior to her early retirement, she worked at Silver Valley Supper Club. Marlene loved going to open houses, riding her moped, going to her granddaughter's concerts, and caring for her two furrbabies Miyagi and Riley.  She was known to all friends and strangers as a "Hoot!" bringing laughter to all she met. The world will never be the same without her.  Marlene's legacy of humor and fun will forever live on in her two granddaughters, the loves of her life, Aubrey Elyse and Breleigh Melana.

Survivors include Marlene's husband, David Franz; daughter and son in law, Heather n Rich Schultz; son, Eric Franz; granddaughters, Aubrey Van Sleet and Breleigh Schultz; brother, David Budsberg; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kerry and Mary Franz; cousins, Bonnie and George Ellis, and Gary White; also countless friends, neices, and nephews. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Arlene Budsberg; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lois and Francis "Stein" Franz; two brothers-in-law, Dennis Franz and Edwin "Moose" Kalista, sister-in-law, Kathleen Kalista; a very special friend, Susie Nate; and cousin, Bob Granger.

A Life Celebration Social for family and friends will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.