Marlene Edna (Karst) Becker – Steinle, 88 of Russell, Kansas died Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Marlene was born January 5, 1926 in Galatia, Kansas, the daughter of Oscar and Amelia (Dumler) Karst.  She grew up on the family farm north of Galatia and attended grade school at Sunflower Rural School.  She then attended Great Bend High School and Russell High School, graduating from Russell in 1944. 

Marlene was united in marriage to Marvin Becker on August 18, 1946 in Milberger, Kansas.  This union was blessed with five children; Stephan, Anita, Michael, Laura and Paul.  They made their home on the Becker Family Homestead for eight years before moving back to the Karst Family Farm, where she grew up.  Then in 1973, they moved into Russell.  Marvin preceded her in death in 1983.  Later she was united in marriage to Eugene Steinle.  Eugene preceded her in 2001.

Marlene was a devoted wife and homemaker.  Later on she worked at the Russell Regional Hospital as a CNA during the 70’s and 80’s.  She loved sewing, reading, playing word games and trivia; and enjoyed cooking and baking.  She was a member of  United Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milberger and ELCW woman’s group.

Surviving family include her five children; Stephan Becker (Terry) of Junction City, Kansas; Anita Ward (Phillip) of Paola, Kansas, Michael Becker and Laura Thomas (Dennis) all of Russell, Kansas and Paul Becker of Galatia, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, three nephews and two nieces.    She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, sister Ulanda and two infant brothers.

A service of praise and remembrance will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger.  Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Friday, August 8, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  Memorials and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.