Marie A. Kraeblen (Nee Reblin)

Marie Kraeblen nee Reblin

March 29, 1924 - April 10, 2024

Longtime Mequon resident, Marie Kraeblen, has died at 100 years plus 12 days. Her determined spirit, feisty attitude, and remarkable health made it possible for her to live a long, meaningful life.

When Marie was a sophomore in high school, her parents moved from Milwaukee to a farm in Mequon. Served by the Cedarburg School District, she met her future husband, Richard, at Cedarburg High. Their first date was at a bowling alley in downtown Thiensville - now known as Remington’s. Marie excelled in the classroom and graduated as Salutatorian of the class of 1941.

Married in 1943, Richard and Marie lived with his parents on their family farm on Glen Oaks Lane in Mequon. Eventually Richard built their forever-home on Country Lane. The yard was big enough for their four children to have many outside adventures. In summer, a baseball field was cut into the backyard grass. A huge swing, teeter-totter and slide provided hours of fun. In winter, snow was piled at the head of the driveway to create a great sled run — and everyone loved skating on a neighbor’s outdoor rink.

The home in “Hidden Acres” provided a safe place for their family. Everyone knew who lived where and looked out for each other. Neighborhood gatherings were common back then, enjoyed by adults and children alike. Kids walked to Nelson’s grocery store (“The IGA”) on Port Washington Road for a gallon of milk. They also could go trick-or-treating alone without causing parents to worry.

Marie worked at a variety of jobs and eventually found her long-term employer, Continental Can Company in Milwaukee. She had a great affinity for numbers and details as well as a passion for perfection. Those traits made her a perfect fit for their Quality Control Department, where she collected company-wide data, compiled it into charts and graphs, and maintained other records.

With such a long life after retiring, Marie pursued a variety of hobbies including sewing, fine crafting, baking, investing, travel, golfing and gardening. She enjoyed it when neighbors stopped by to admire her flowerbeds. A hole-in-one at Mee-kwon Golf Course was a cherished memory. She valued time caring for her grandchildren and attending events for them and her great–grandchildren.

During the final two years of Marie’s life, she received exceptional, compassionate care at The Cottages in West Bend —part of Cedar Community. We could not have done it better.

Marie is survived by her loving, supportive children Ellen Imbruglia Makela (Chuck, Lauri), Susan Kraeblen (Jim Green), Vicki Chossek (Jim), Jeff Kraeblen (Kathy); Grandchildren Ben Chossek (Wendy), Brian Chossek (Jordana Snider), Mike Imbruglia (Alexus Toth fiancé), Matt Imbruglia (Shannah); Great-Grandchildren Abby and Sydney Chossek, Brianna and Madison Snider, Hudson Chossek, Tula Imbruglia; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her dearly missed husband, Richard Kraeblen, and siblings and their spouses Chuck Reblin (Florence, Lila), Albert Reblin (Orrene), Ann Livingston (Harvey), Betty Connell (Richard), Reinhold Reblin.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 with a 4:00 PM Visitation followed by a 5:00 PM Celebration of Life at Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory, 979 N. Green Bay Rd., Grafton, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cedar Community in memory of Marie Kraeblen, or to the charity of your choice are suggested.