Marlene Verna Schultz

Marlene Verna Schultz, age 89, of Lewiston, MN, went to her heavenly home on Monday, October 13, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend whose faith and love touched many lives.
She was born on April 6, 1936, in Utica Township, Winona County, MN, to Gerhardt and Frieda (Rupprecht) Beilke. Marlene grew up in rural Lewiston and was a graduate of Lewiston High School. After high school, she worked as a secretary at Watkins in Winona for a short time. She married Eugene “Louie” Schultz on May 5, 1956, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Lewiston, and he preceded her in death on October 17, 2022.
Together with her husband, Louie, they farmed in rural Lewiston for more than 30 years. Marlene later worked as a school cook at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School for many years, where her delicious meals were a blessing to countless students. She also helped run the Winona County Pork Producers food stand at the County Fair and was a charter member of the Pork Masters BBQ catering business, which she proudly operated for over 40 years.
A lifelong member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Lewiston, Marlene faithfully volunteered in numerous church activities and found great joy in serving. Her favorite Bible passage was her Confirmation verse, James 4:8, “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.”
Marlene loved to cook, especially for her family and large gatherings. She also enjoyed traveling and taking many memorable cruises with her husband, Louie.
Marlene is lovingly survived by her children: Gayle (Bryan) Benson, Andover, MN; Gary (Dawn) Schultz, Lewiston, MN; Daryl (Corrie) Schultz, Rochester, MN; daughter-in-law: Betty Agin (wife of the late Ron Schultz), Lewiston, MN; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Schultz; son, Ron Schultz; parents: Gerhardt and Frieda (Rupprecht) Beilke; and parents-in-law: John and Florence (Prudoehl) Schultz.
Visitation will be held at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Lewiston, MN, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1 PM until the funeral service at 3 PM. Pastor Aaron Schrimpf will officiate. Marlene will be laid to rest at the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Marlene’s grandsons: Blake Benson, Derek Benson, Aaron Benson, Jordan Schultz, Caleb Schultz, and Micah Schultz.
Online condolences or memories may be left for Marlene’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.
Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.