Marianne Brummel Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Marianne (Bellmann) Brummel, 91, peacefully sang her last song, surrounded by family, on Monday, August 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was born on June 2, 1926 in Munster, Germany to Maria (Ostendorf) and Paul Bellmann, the youngest of five children. Like her recently deceased husband, her early life in a war-torn Europe, perhaps forged the foundation for this woman's incredible spirit and positive way of life. As a young woman, she would survive a serious injury, sustained from one of the hundred or so air raids her home town would endure. But rather remain in a war-torn ‘Munsterland,’ engaged to her Heinz, an aspiring young architect, she would leave for an America filled with hopes and dreams. In 1953, they would travel thru New York via passenger ferry and settle in Milwaukee thru the sponsorship of Oma's aunt. Tante Ka would be the only witness to their marriage in early 1954 and be their only guide and mentor these early years. While Heinz established himself in various architectural firms in the city, ‘Nanne’ would learn English and lovingly raise their first three children, Heinz Jr., Lee-Peter and Claudia, born in quick succession, in a small one bedroom apartment just blocks off Lake Michigan. Her children were her own ‘architecture,’ modeling and fashioning them to her unique German style. With new opportunities ahead of them, they would move in 1960 northward to Green Bay, into an idyllic Schmitt Park neighborhood, where many young families were also starting out. By 1962, she was a US citizen, the same year their youngest son Marc was born, and between evenings at the Schmitt Park Pool and summers in Door County, they would remain to raise their family. An endearing entertainer, Oma would lovingly assemble her “American” friends in her home, surrounding them with her collection of German music albums and tortes, always providing them 'ein Stuck,' a piece to depart with. Never learning how to drive, these wonderful women would be her taxi, getting her out of the house, as well as offering the weekly ride to the local Piggly Wiggly, where she would teach the young men how to bag her groceries. She would travel back to her homeland occasionally, but never often enough. Truly special, was when any of her four siblings would visit America to see for themselves the dream she had left for, allowing summers of 'coffee and cake', a prost or three, and more 'Lieder' on the lake. If not giving to family, she was always giving to others. She silently documented thousands of volunteer hours with decades of commitment for the less fortunate - residents at the Brown County Mental Health Center as well as those at the Penitentiary in Bible Study. She sang in her parish choir, and volunteered for over 10 years as Saints Peter and Paul's infamous ‘German Gym Teacher.’ There are many walking the streets of Green Bay with better posture because of her! Oma really cherished family most, always wanting to be surrounded by her children and six grandchildren. For years, her lap was their home, blissfully singing into their faces. She would always engage them with a countless assemblage of memorized German folk songs. But really, she displayed this skill often, in many a public place, often to the embarrassment of her husband and grownup kids as well! Steadfast a hymn in her heart, a prayer on her mind, and a gift in her hand - her enduring spirit, magnetic qualities, grace and effervescent smile will linger in our hearts forever. Oma, we will miss you! In America, Marianne is survived by her four children, Heinz Jr., Minneapolis; Lee Peter, Appleton; Claudia, Florida; and Marc & (Paula), Green Bay; her grandchildren, Oskar and Oliver, sons of Heinz; as well as Berndt, Ava, Owen and Celia, children of Marc and Paula; and Otto, her beloved Yorkie, who knew her vibrato so well. In Germany, she is survived by in-laws, Walter and Liesel Brummel and countless nieces and nephews, that if were not separated by an ocean, would be here to celebrate and grieve with us during this time. They share their condolences as well. She is preceded in death by her husband Heinz of 63 years, who recently passed away in May of 2016, her parents, three sisters, Klara, Irmgard and Else, and one brother Bernd. They are all "Prosting" with her now! Friends may call at Malcore (East) Funeral Home, 701 N. Baird Street, Thursday, September 7 from 12:00 PM (Noon), until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM at Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, with Father Tim Shillcox, O Praem, presiding. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials in her name may be offered through Malcore (East) Funeral Home. All proceeds shall be donated to The Richard Mauthe Center, on the UWGB Campus. Visit www.malcorefuneralhome.com to send a condolence to the family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the many incredible caregivers of Allouez Sunrise Village, who loved and nurtured 'Oma' during her two year stay. Upon Opa's early passing there, he instilled in the ever-loving Kim Behling there, to keep care for his wife, and to that aim she was unbelievably steadfast and true. Oma's message to ALL of you, a heartfelt German "Sank You,” should always reside in your loving hearts. We would also like to thank Heartland Hospice for their incredible care and compassion in her final weeks as well.

Tributes

Marianne Brummel

June 2, 1926 - August 28, 2017