Marlene Joan Erla

MARLENE JOAN ERLA,
86, of Cass City, died peacefully following a brief illness Saturday, July 30, 2022 in Northwood Meadows Medical Care Unit, Cass City. She was born December 17, 1935 in Imlay City to Anthony and Mary (Nagy) Strump. She married Daniel Jerome Erla on November 3, 1956 in Imlay City.
Marlene graduated from Imlay City High School in 1953. Following graduation, she was employed as a receptionist for a doctor's office in Grosse Pointe. Marlene worked there until she got married. She then worked as a hearing technician for the Tuscola ISD while attending college part-time. Marlene earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from SVSU in 1975 and a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University in 1987.
She taught kindergarten and first grade at Campbell Elementary School for twenty-seven years and retired in 2002. Marlene was an active church member of Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City where she sang in the choir. She was a member of AAUW and served as co-chairperson for the Reading is Fundamental Program (RIF). Marlene took up quilting as a hobby and enjoyed getting together with her quilting group friends. She loved to cook and bake and typically hosted family get-togethers. Dan could always count on having a home-cooked meal. Marlene was a great mother and grandmother. She loved her grandchildren; they have many special memories of her.
Marlene is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Dan; children: Joan (Craig) Helwig of Cass City, Dan (Kristen) Erla of Ada, Doug (Michele) Erla of Mishawaka, IN; Jan (Matt) Zimba of Deford; eleven grandchildren; sisters: Margaret Pavey of Lapeer, Marion Strump of Lapeer, Marcia (Robert) Spencer of Stanton; brother, Anthony (Sue) Strump of Lapeer. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral Mass held 12:00 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2022 in Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City with Rev. Robert Pare officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City or Northwood Meadows. Family and friends may share memories, prayers, and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2022 in Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City
Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan