Marlene Mae Tonjes

Marlene M. Tonjes, 91, of Pender, NE, died on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE.  The visitation for Marlene will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.  The funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender.  Burial will be in the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.   Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Marlene was born on May 4, 1932, in Pender, NE, the daughter of Fred and Emma (Vogt) Westerhold. Following her graduation from Pender High School in 1949, Marlene married Lowell Tonjes in Pender on February 12, 1950.  From this union, four children were born, Kevin, Keri, Kenne, and Kyle.   Together they farmed until their retirement.  Marlene loved opening her home to family and friends and always made sure everyone was comfortable and well-fed.  Very few meals ended without at least one of her famous pies for dessert.  Marlene ensured the Christmas season was especially joyous out at the farm.  Red bows adorned every surface from the mailbox to the pantry, and she always filled her kitchen with family to bake endless amounts of Christmas cookies.   Marlene was happiest surrounded by her family.  She always enjoyed following her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids' sports, as well as her beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Kevin (Gayle) Tonjes of Omaha, NE, Kyle (Jody) of Overland Park, KS; daughter, Keri (Tim) Robinson of Pender, NE; ten grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; son, Kenne; great-grandson, Bodie; and a sister, Merle Radtke.