Marlene Joy (Winans) Katz

Marlene Joy (Winans) Katz, 88, of Battle Creek, Michigan went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Marlene was born December 23, 1935, at the former Nichols Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Donald W. and Rhea Lucile (Wheeler) Winans. She was a lifelong Battle Creek resident and a 1954 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She graduated from Art Instruction School while raising her family. Her art education helped her guide students, neighborhood children and friends into the world of art. She was last employed at Family Altar Day Care. She also worked at Family Altar Christian School as their first secretary and as an art teacher. Marlene was also employed at Harper Creek Schools as an art teacher and teacher’s aide. She had also been employed for L.W. Robinson Department store in downtown Battle Creek, Clark Equipment Company and was a Vivian Woodard Cosmetic representative. 

Marlene Joy Winans was united in marriage to Julian William Katz on April 28, 1957, at Urbandale United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years on August 15, 2023. Surviving are their children, Karen (Stephen) Boone, Craig Allen Katz, Shelley (Brian) Streeter all of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Jason (Simone) Buller, Jade Boone, Deanna Katz, and Shayna Boone. Six great-grandchildren, Lillian Buller, Eva Buller, Emma Lash, Lola Lash, Adleigh Weatherspoon and Asella Weatherspoon. In addition to her husband, Marlene was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Donelda Petts, and an infant brother, Richard Winans. 

Marlene and Julian were longtime members of Urbandale United Methodist Church and transferred to Convis Union United Methodist Church. They were also active at Family Altar Chapel, where they were instrumental in starting the Family Altar Christian School; and then First Wesleyan Church, where they were involved in the benevolence ministry. Marlene’s door was always open for all the neighborhood children to come over, have a snack, play a game of baseball, or ride bikes. All were well loved when they were at the Katz home. She loved mentoring children, through Bluebirds, Campfire Girls and as an art teacher at schools or church. She shared Jesus with all the children she interacted with. Marlene did murals for the walls at Harper Creek Schools and Family Altar Christian School. She was very proficient at painting, drawing, woodburning, ceramics and many other forms of art. Marlene and Julian loved antiquing together, took day trips to discover antiques, and mom & pop restaurants. With Marlene's love of dolls and doll furniture, and Julian's love of lunch boxes and old toys, they began collecting and selling the items they loved at the Allen Antique Mall. They chose to name their business “Jumper’s Junque”. Julian's childhood name was "Jumper", and their eclectic collection they dubbed "Junque".  They spent a very memorable 30^th anniversary traveling in Europe together. They enjoyed attending car shows and cruising around in Julian’s classic 1965 Ford Pickup named “Ol' Stuff” that they used to transport antiques and other treasures in. Marlene's love of cars/trucks began with her first car, her 1954 Corvette, which she purchased as a teenager. Marlene loved her family and spending time with each special generation. She has created a legacy of love by caring for all those that God has placed in her path.

Friends will be received from 10 - 11 am on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate Marlene’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 13, 2024. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4220596 or you may also view it on the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home Facebook page. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care, 1150 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek MI 49014. Personal messages for Marlene’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.