Marlene Marie Koula

Marlene Marie was born on February 23, 1933, in Montana to Olive Anderson and Reuben Moen of Coon Valley, Wi. Olive brought her back to La Crosse and she was adopted by Jack and Pauline Voves. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic grade school from kindergarten thru the 8th grade. They then moved to French Island and Marlene decided to go to Logan High School as it was much closer than Aquinas and she met many good friends on the Island to chum around with.

During high school she played in the band and was Homecoming Queen. She also worked at the Riveria Theatre during her high school days. After graduating from the great class of 1951, she started a long career working at the Front Desk of the Grandview Hospital and Clinic. That was a job she really loved.

In 1953, she married Blaine Mlsna and moved to Staten Island, NY. where Blaine was stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Base. They had two children there but moved back to La Crosse when Blaine's Navy days were over, they were homesick by then.

Needless to say, shortly after returning Grandview Clinic called to ask her to come to do the Doctor's billing each month. Of course, she said yes. Then the Hospital Front desk wanted her back there also, so she did both jobs and loved every minute of them. When Grandview Clinic merged with Skemp Clinic, through many tears by all, we made the merge and it was great for all of us. Lots of fond memories were made there. This move put Marlene back on the same corner that she spent all her grade school days. They tore her school down but built a new Clinic. She retired from that corner at 65 years. When she is in an exam room facing the Church, she feels like she is in grade school again. And playing softball and Dodge ball in the street at Recess, the boys got to use the playground next to Father Cech's house.

Blaine passed away in January of 1984. On April 13, 1985 Marlene married LeRoy "Pete" Koula at St. James Catholic Church. Marlene became very active in the American Legion Auxiliary for many years. She was Membership Chairman for several years, actually every year until she was in her late 80's. She then gave it up when her health began slowing her down. She thought she would never get old!! She loved working the food functions and seeing people that she hadn't seen for decades. She especially liked the Fish Fri's working with Andy and Cooney and the rest of the gang.

Marlene went to many Conventions and was made aware of all the great things that the American Legion does for the Veteran's and their families. She also sang in the St. James the Less Funeral Choir and also the regular Choir at church. In her spare time, she took up Bowling and Golf. She loved both of them. They went golfing several times a week, weather permitting. We had a great bunch of golf buddies; those were the best times.

She is survived by eight of her eleven children; Blaine Mlsna jr., Marlene "Teeta" Scnleppegrell, Paul Mlsna, Terri (Ron) Kittleson, Steve Mlsna, Diane (Max) Mitchell, Amy Mlsna and Gregory Mlsna. Twelve grandchildren, Heath and Heather, Lynn, Joshua, Cameron, Cortney and Cara, Jamie, Sam, Caleb and Joel and Ryan. Three Great grandchildren, Abraham, Nadia and Autumn. Her half-sister, Lou Jane Warner, three nieces, Judy, Carol and Janet Warner, and a dear friend Shirl Ahrens. Three daughter-in-laws, Brenda, Carolyn and Joan. A brother-in-law and two sister-in-laws, Gib (Janine Buffo, M.D.) Koula and Mary Harring. And her two fur babies, Charlie and Snow. They love their Gramma and will miss her more than anyone. They will need a loving home as they are family and are very spoiled.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Blaine and Pete, three sons, Joel Anthony, Brian John and Mark Timothy Mlsna. Her half-sister, Donna Terrones, three half-brothers, Reuben Jr., Wayne (LaVerne), and Barton Moen. Brothers-in-laws, Bernie Terrones and Fred "Punk" Warner. Adeline (Tony MD.) Schoenenberger, Elaine (Merton) Hagen, Arlene (Dave) Kichline, Levonne (Bill) Leisgang, Jake (Betty) Mlsna, Dennis (Merna) Koula, Kathy (Don) Peterson, Sally (Doug) Martin, Roger Harring, Mike Schleppegrell and Tom Hayner.

Marlene wants to thank Don and Becky Lear for all the help they have given us in the past several years. I don't know what we would have done without you. From the many trips to the grocery stores, Menards and getting me to my doctor visits. You will never know how much I appreciate everything you have done. Thank you so much.