Marlene Cone

M. Marlene Cone

(Nee Kobey) Age 72, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin passed away of natural causes on January 10, 2026, in her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Born in April of 1953, Marlene lived a life defined by generosity, compassion, creativity, and quiet acts of kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was known to many for her welcoming demeanor and her unmistakable trademark: carrying a pocket full of Hershey's Kisses, which she joyfully handed out to friends, family, and even strangers. She liked to leave "kisses of gratitude" to any working person she interacted with, a simple gesture that perfectly captured her generous spirit. Marlene was always finding ways to share her kindness and generosity with others; from collecting cans for a neighbor, handing out mittens to passing school children on cold winter days or hanging random gifts on her fence for anyone to take.

One of Marlene's earliest jobs was working for a geriatric doctor. This was a perfect fit for her compassionate personality. It gave her a fuller understanding of the needs of seniors and elderly which she utilized to care for numerous friends and loved ones while providing comfort, compassion, and dignity during their final days. Her generosity extended far beyond her work; she regularly supported organizations such as, AIDS walk, Central World Kitchen, and Hunger Task Force. While working with her community groups she fiercely fought for her neighborhood.

Creative by nature, Marlene enjoyed crocheting, working with clay and expressing herself through her many crafts. Her creativity extended to her love of cats. Creating safe places for the many stray cats in her neighborhood and had previously worked with the Humane Society's TNR program, because she knew she couldn't keep them all. Clawdette was her constant companion who brought her great joy and comfort everyday of her life. Pawla was her newest feline companion. She loved and cared for her cats until her final breath.

Marlene's creativity didn't end there. Marlene was a co-founding mother of Camp Barkinville. She enjoyed many years of camping out days ahead of time for the "Great Circus Parade", which lead to years of personal connections to Ben Barkin, Ernest Borgnine & his wife Tova. Which then lead to the Camp Barkinville members being invited to re-create Camp Barkinville inside the tent, as well as help set up the display of all things honoring the late Ben Barkin.

Marlene enjoyed being her own boss for while when she opened up her re-sale store, "Mother's to Be". She was also an avid Milwaukee Admirals hockey fan whose season tickets dated back to their days at Wilson Park.

She loved her yearly Las Vegas vacations with Robert. She also loved hosting Christmas which was a treasured tradition in her home, where gifts always arrived from "the Elves", creating magic and memories for everyone who gathered there.

Marlene was preceded in death by her true love of 34 years, Robert "Bobby" Laurila; her parents, mother, Beverly E. Kobey (nee Howe) and father, Marvin James Kobey; her brother, Jay A. Kobey; sister, Janice B. Kobey; nephew, Christopher M. Schuster; and husband, Gerald C. Cone.

Marlene is survived by her brother, James L. Kobey; her sisters, Verna Hackbarth (the late Dan) and Elsie Laurila (Glenn); her niece, Tottie M. Howe; nephews P.J. Tousignant, Paul Basquez (Margarita Steinmetz), Brian M. Schuster (Jerri), Jason M. Schuster (Mandi Holmblad), and Matthew J. Basquez Sr.(Angie); her great-niece, Kayla Schuster; and her great-nephews, Caleb, Korbyn, Ethan, Eladio, Alex, Matthew ll, Jalen, Justin, Cayden, and Carter, as well as other extended relatives. She is also survived by her dear friend and honorary sister, Jean Stutt and many other lifelong friends.

Marlene will be remembered as a woman whose life was a gift to others- someone who found joy in giving, comfort in caring, and meaning in making the world a little warmer, one kiss of gratitude at a time.

With her last and final kiss of gratitude dedicated to Jason M. Schuster, for everything.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, from 2:00 PM, until time of Memorial Service at 4:00 PM at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 15250 W. National Ave., New Berlin.