Marlene Frances Ehlke , 66, Ft Collins, Colorado and formerly of the Minot area, died Friday, December 2, 2016 at her home in Ft Collins with her husband and hospice at her side.

Marlene was born May 6, 1950 at Minot, North Dakota the daughter of Walt and Leona (Bon) Strom. She was raised and educated at Newburg and graduated from Minot State University with a degree in Art and Home Economics. She furthered her education and received a master's degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo. She taught high school for several years in Wolf Point, MT.

Marlene was united in marriage to Craig Ehlke on May 1, 1981 in Minot. Throughout the years, they made their home in Minot, Fargo, Boulder and the past 30 years in Ft Collins, CO.

Her hobbies and interests included: Art, Web Design, Cooking. She was proud to have served her hometown community of Newburg as the Grand Marshall for the Centennial Reunion in the year 2000.

Marlene's loving family includes , husband of 36 years, Craig; brother, Glenn (Darlene) Strom, Bottineau, ND; brother-in-law, Brian (Sandy) Ehlke, Fargo; nieces and nephews, Breanne Strom, Russel Strom, Floyd Ehlke, Ruth Ehlke, Wyatt Ehlke; great nieces and nephews, Glen and Madison Ehlke; her cats, Stinker, Milky and Princess.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Robert Strom.

Celebration of Life service: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment : Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.

Visitation : One hour prior to the service on Tuesday in Thomas Family Funeral Home.

Memorials are preferred to the Newburg Lutheran Church.