On June 10, 2022, Marlene Ruth Schulze, 62, of rural Wapakoneta, passed away with her family by her side, at OSU Medical Center, Columbus. Marlene was born on July 15, 1959 in Coldwater Ohio to Alfred and Hilda (Lochtefeld) Heitkamp (deceased) of St. Rose.

On November 15, 1980, Marlene married David Schulze who survives. Marlene is also survived by 5 children: Jaclyn (Kyle) Schmiesing of New Bremen, OH, Keith (Kristi Schmidt) Schulze of Marysville, OH, Jason (Lindsey Langhals) Schulze of Upper Arlington, OH, Mitchell (Jennifer Tewart) Schulze of Dublin, OH, and Renae Schulze of Wapakoneta, OH. Marlene had 11 grandchildren: Myles, Jude, and Rory Schmiesing, Elijah, Austin, and Dylan Schulze, Bennett and Charlotte Schulze, and Noah, Jasper, and Dean Schulze. Marlene is also survived by two brothers: Elton Heitkamp and Marvin Heitkamp, both of St. Rose, OH. Additionally, she is survived by brother and sister-in-laws: Debbie and Joe Timmerman, Gary and Sue Schulze, Kathy and Charlie Otte, and Jane and Ted Bornhorst. Marlene is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and a Godchild, Zachary Gariety. Marlene was preceded in death by her brother Leroy Heitkamp, sister-in-law, Patricia Heitkamp, father-in law Albert Schulze, mother-in-law Mary Lou Schulze, and a niece Katie Bornhorst.

Marlene was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Marlene graduated from Marion Local Schools in 1977. After high school, she worked at Midmark Corporation, Versailles, OH for 9 years. She then worked side by side with her husband and children on the family dairy farm for 19 years before working for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. She later worked at Wapakoneta City Schools for 4 years. Marlene enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending card club, camping, boating, and shopping. She especially loved watching her grandchildren perform in school activities and play baseball and soccer. Being with her children and grandchildren, and watching them do what they loved, always brought a smile to her face. Marlene was a woman of faith and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, OH. She attended the Adoration Chapel regularly for about ten years. Marlene was a strong and determined person. She fought a hard battle with cancer for the past ten years. She never let pain or setbacks keep her from spending time doing the things that she loved and spending time with those that she loved. Marlene always kept a positive attitude and was thankful for all her time. Her battle and constant faith in God's plan was an inspiration to all of her family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wed. June 15, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, OH, with Fr. Sean Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Botkins, OH.

Friends may call 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Tues. June 14, and 9:00-9:45 a.m., Wed. at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, 1102 Lincoln Hwy, (St. Rt. 501) Wapakoneta, OH.

Memorial contributions may be directed ALK Positive, in Marlene's name. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.