MARLENE (UNRUH) NEUSTAEDTER

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MARLENE (UNRUH) NEUSTAEDTER

November 3, 1938, in Steinbach — May 9, 2025, in Winnipeg

Our treasured mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, Marlene Neustaedter, died peacefully in Winnipeg at age 86, with her son Carl at her side, after a day surrounded by family and friends.

She leaves son Carl, his wife Louisa, granddaughters, Zoe and Alexandra; and siblings, Phyllis, Marg (Don), David (Joanne), Geri, and Richard (Sandra). She was predeceased by her daughter Karen and her husband Paul.

Born in Steinbach, Marlene grew up in small southern Manitoba Mennonite communities where her father taught school. At 18, she went to Normal School and taught school in Kleefeld and Winnipeg.

In 1960, she married Paul Neustaedter, whom she’d first met when he taught at her father’s school in Grunthal. In 1962, they embarked on a months-long trip through Europe that became a touchstone for them all their lives. Daughter Karen arrived a few years later, and then Carl, and the family thrived in the house on Cordova Street that would be home for five decades.

A gracious host, Marlene made Cordova Street a welcoming place for family gatherings, many parties, a hub for the kids and their friends, and eventually a special place for her granddaughters to visit. She created many memorable meals and dinner parties, and her baking became legendary: Napoleon tortes, Christmas cookies, zwieback, cinnamon buns and more.

After staying home to raise the kids through their early years, Marlene joined the Manitoba Arts Council in 1974. Starting as a part-time administrator, she eventually became its Executive Director, presiding over a period of growth and flourishing of the arts in Manitoba.

As Karen’s health deteriorated from Multiple Sclerosis, Marlene took on less demanding roles, to give her time to devote to her daughter’s care. Marlene ran Autumn House and Seniors Home Health, and served on church, arts and education boards. She was chair of the Winnipeg MCC relief sale at The Forks, served on the Menno Simons College board as it became part of the new Canadian Mennonite University, and served on the City of Winnipeg Cultural Policy Review Panel, among others.

Art and music were a constant in Marlene’s life, from playing violin in her father’s ensembles in her youth, to painting in her early married years, to the beautiful pen and ink sketches she drew for Christmas cards. For many years she sang in the choir at First Mennonite Church, which was the focal point of friendship, worship and community for her and Paul. Marlene also served on church council and later with the Morija Circle, among other contributions over many years.

By the time her granddaughters Zoe and Alexandra appeared, Marlene had more time to indulge them with baking, handmade dresses and costumes, and frequent visits to their home in Ottawa. She treasured her time with them, and they with her.

In Marlene’s final years living with Parkinson’s, her sister Geri was an unwavering advocate and companion. Carl and the family are eternally grateful for her love, dedication and support. Thanks also to the staff in the Arbour at Brightwater Senior Living of Tuxedo.

A funeral service will be held at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light meal and fellowship. The service will be livestreamed at:

 firstmennonitechurch.ca

In lieu of flowers, please remember Marlene by supporting the Helena and Gerhard Unruh Family Bursary Fund through the Winnipeg Foundation, which supports education for newcomers, or Parkinson Canada.

in care of arrangements

Tributes: www. friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2025