Miriam June Saucke (née Marlenee) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 25, 2024. She was born on December 19, 1927 to Ruby and Walter Marlenee in Panora, Iowa.
Miriam grew up on the farm in rural Dallas County, Iowa. After graduating from Redfield High School, she joined a semi-pro women’s basketball team traveling across the country. Her team opened twice for the Harlem Globetrotters.
While practicing on the basketball court, she met her future husband, Eugene Saucke, who she married on April 2, 1949. They were married for almost 60 years before Eugene’s death in 2009.
Together they raised 4 sons before settling in Phelps, Wisconsin in 1971.
Miriam worked at the C.M. Christianson Company in Phelps for almost 50 year including being the General Manager of Smoky Lake Reserve.
Miriam bowled on several teams where she made life-long friends. She and Gene enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and especially loved hosting a Labor Day corn roast for decades.
As a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Phelps, her faith was important to her.
Miriam is survived by her three sons: Steve (Lisa), Greg (Deanna) and Brian (Becky); 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister Lola Suckow and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anna Mae; husband; and son, Michael.
A memorial service will be at 11 am on Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Phelps Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. John Lutheran Church.
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Miriam June Saucke (née Marlenee) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 25, 2024. She was born on December 19, 1927 to Ruby and Walter Marlenee in Panora, Iowa.
Miriam grew up on the farm in rural Dallas County, Iowa. After graduating from Redfield High School, she joined a semi-pro women’s basketball tea