Marlene Obringer

Marlene Obringer passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2026. She was surrounded and supported in love by her large family throughout her illness and death. Marlene was born at home, in the upstairs of the Havana Tavern owned by her family, on February 21, 1939, in Havana, Ohio, to Robert and LaVerne Missig, the second of nine children and the oldest girl. She attended convent school for one year, went on to Monroeville High School, graduating in 1956, and then from Providence School of Nursing in 1959. On September 3, 1960, she married the love of her life, Robert Obringer. They welcomed their first child on the eve of their first anniversary, and over their more than 65 years together were blessed with six more children, 19 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Marlene never had an unkind word for anyone — she was a truly gracious lady, through and through. She was a devoted wife and mother, a hardworking homemaker and farmer, and an avid golfer. Faith and Family meant everything to her, and she lived as a devout Catholic all her life. She was an active member of the St. Bernard and New Washington communities, having served on the Rosary Altar Society and many parish efforts, especially the St. Bernard Festival. If she had even one ruthless streak, it showed up at the euchre table. She was a great partner and a feared opponent. Even as her health declined, she could rally for a game of euchre with her family. She cheered proudly for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Guardians, and always had a crockpot of meatballs and her chicken sandwiches ready to warmly welcome anyone who stopped in for a visit. She and Bob spent many happy, fun-filled winters together in Sun City, Arizona. Marlene looks forward to a joyful reunion with her parents; her brother Ken and his wife Judy, her brother Fred; her brother-in-law Ken Harris; her brother-in-law Dan and his wife Yvonne; her sister-in-law Judie and her husband Jim; and her great-grandson Alastair — all of whom preceded her in death. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Marlene, do this in her memory: take a moment this week to share a kind word with someone you meet along the way. And if you're so inclined, raise a glass and toast a beautiful woman we were blessed to have with us — if only for too short a time. Marlene is survived by her beloved husband, Robert, whom she met in 1957. Her children: sons Mike (Mary), Dave (Lee Ann), Steve (Cindy), Tim (Meg); daughters, Julia Funaki (Brian), Jen Poklar (Perry Owen), Laura Flyr (Josh). Grandchildren: Kyle (Elise), Hannah, Willa, Alex (Caileigh), Jack, Emily, Sam (Julia), and Ben Obringer; Kayla, Jonathan, Andrew, and Collin Funaki, Katie (Patrick) Bruggeman, Shauna (Adrian) Kohlhorst, Hilary (Swayzee) Hood, Anna and Griffin Poklar, and Pippa and Charley Flyr. Great-grandchildren: Gideon Obringer; Jameson, Bristol, and Easton Hood; and Kennedy and Noah Bruggeman. Siblings Marv (Jan), Jim (Jean), Bob (Carole), Donald (Nancy), Susann Harris, Donna (Steve) Wilhelm. In-laws: Diane, Tim (Sherry), and John Obringer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Funeral Mass for the family will be held on June 26, and a Memorial Mass and open house celebration of life will be held on a date to be determined at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in New Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marlene’s honor to St. Bernard’s Catholic Parish (stbernardnwo.org) in New Washington, or to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales-Toledo/Detroit Province (oblates.org/support-us), or the Sisters of Notre Dame (sndusa.org/donatetoledo/)

Marlene Obringer

February 21, 1939 - June 21, 2026