Marlene Carol Bramer, 78, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 25, 2025.
Marlene was born on September 26, 1946, in Traverse City to the late Edward and Doris (Stachnik) Weber.
In high school, Marlene met the love of her life, John Courson Bramer. They married on April 30, 1964, and together shared nearly 61 incredible years. They were always by each other's side, whether working tirelessly on projects, big or small, building the family's business, Art's Auto and Truck Parts, or watching the sun set against the water in their happy place – they truly enjoyed building a life together. Their love knew no bounds. Through every storm or challenge they shared a bond that only grew stronger and never wavered.
Marlene dedicated her life to caring for her family – she was their heart and soul. She loved them more than anything in the world. There wasn't a day that went by where she didn't share a phone call or visit with each one of her four children. She was their rock and their constant. Her love was the first home they ever knew – a shelter of warmth, breath of encouragement, and steady place of comfort. She was not only an extraordinary mother, but an exceptional mother-in-law, always supporting her children's spouses as if they were her own. Her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She was an amazing Mimi who showed them what it meant to live a life full of love and generosity, always making sure each and every one of them knew they were cherished.
Marlene was a longtime and faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church. She had a way of making friends wherever she went with her infectious smile and warm heart. In her younger days, she found joy traveling, singing along to Elvis, and dancing and cooking with her sisters.
One of her favorite places was Curtis, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. Often traveling with John and her family, a lifetime of memories were made at the lake. She found peace and serenity there – it was her little slice of heaven.
Marlene was content, simple, and full of love – everything she touched in life was filled with meaning and care. She lived each day full of grace, despite countless setbacks during her battle with pancreatic cancer. She showed incredible strength and never complained. The resilience she displayed will continue to be an inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. We will forever carry her with us and her memory will continue to be a guiding light.
Marlene is survived by her beloved husband John; her four children, Cheryl Valade, John Bramer Jr., James (Kelly) Bramer, and Tina (Matthew) Turner; nine grandchildren, Kyle Bramer, Kasey (Seth) Kellicut, Taylor (Tyvis) Valade, Connor Valade, Jonathan (Lauren) Bramer, Jordan Bramer, Kaylynn Bramer, Gage Turner, and Ashtyn Turner; two great-grandchildren, Talani Smith, and Hudson Kellicut, and her sisters, Rita (Richard) Hounsell and Sherry Pratt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jean, and her brother James.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 5-7pm with a Rosary prayed at 7pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Francis Catholic Church with a visitation starting at 10am. A private burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in Marlene's memory may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital – the charity closest to her heart. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .