A Family Funeral Home

Marianna E. Rothe

September 24, 1923 - January 22, 2018
Racine, WI

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Visitation

Monday, February 19, 2018
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM CST
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Racine Public Library Foundation
75 7th Street
Racine, WI 53403

Wisconsin Humane Society
2706 Chicory Road
Racine, WI 53403

AAUW-Racine Chapter

Life Story / Obituary


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Marianna Elizabeth Lehner entered this world on September 24, 1923 the daughter of Anna and Henry Lehner of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She graduated from Kohler High School in 1941. She was awarded a Kohler Family Scholarship and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting in 1945.

She married her true love Arthur Rothe on July 17, 1948 in Sheboygan, WI. They were married for over 60 years.

Marianna and Art moved to Racine in 1956 where she worked in accounting before becoming the Finance Director for the Racine YWCA. In 1970 she accepted the position of Business Manager for the Racine Public Library. Marianna worked for the Library for 19 years before retiring in March of 1989.

From the time that Marianna and Art arrived in Racine, the community benefited from her strong belief in volunteering and commitment to others. The essence of Marianna's character is indicated by the numerous organizations in which she was a member and a leader. The list of organizations is staggering considering her career as an accountant and business manager.

Marianna was a member of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women and served at the Branch, State and Association levels. At the Association level she served on the Association Educational Foundation Committee on Development. At the State level she held the positions of Nominations Chair, Treasurer, Membership Chair, and State President from1971 to 1973.She also served locally as Branch President from 1970 to 1972. In 1986 the Racine Branch honored Marianna with a gift to the AAUW Foundation in her name. In 1999 she was honored by the State AAUW Educational Foundation by the creation of the Marianna Lehner Rothe American Fellowship. Marianna also served on the board of Family Service which recognized her service in 1994 when she was given the Promoting Family Service Award. From 1984-2002 Marianna was a member of the Town of Mt. Pleasant Zoning Board of Appeals. Marianna was also a member of the Racine Branch of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association and a lifelong Badger fan. Marianna also served on the board of the Mental Health Association of Racine County from 1974-1977. Marianna was a volunteer for the United Way of Racine County and in 1998 she was presented with the Gold Award for her outstanding service to the Racine area. Finally Marianna was active in the League of Women Voters. In 1978 Marianna received the award that she was most proud of as she was nominated by the Racine Branch of the AAUW and was named by the Women's Civic Council of Racine as Women of the Year.

Marianna was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Edward Rothe, and by her brothers Robert G. Jones of Kohler, Wisconsin and Donald E. Jones of Racine, Wisconsin and nephew Robert A. Jones of Kohler, Wisconsin. Surviving are her niece Karen Christianson and husband Gary of Corvallis, Oregon and her nephews Richard M. Jones and wife Kathy of Racine, Bruce E. Jones and wife Karen of Gillette, Wyo., Lance Jones of Rancho Mirage, Ca. and other great nieces and nephews.

Marianna was an inspiration to those who knew her and her life of service to others and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are welcome to remember Marianna’s life Monday, February 19, 2018, from 3 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Maresh- Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home 803 Main St. Racine Wi. 53403. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Racine Public Library Foundation, the Wisconsin Humane Society or the AAUW-Racine Chapter.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Fourth floor of Lake Shore Manor for the care and compassion they showed Marianna.