Marlene Helen Brown

Marlene H. Brown, 67, of Berrien Springs, MI went to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.  Marlene was born on October 6, 1950 in St. Joseph, MI to the late Milton and Helen (Ast) Richter. She received her bachelors degree in teaching and taught for many years at the Hager Riverside #6 School. On May 3, 1975 she married Fred Brown in Stevensville, MI. Marlene was a member of the Crystal Springs Church of God. Amongst her many interests were gardening, the home and garden television shows, traveling – especially to Florida and Disney, music, and reading about history – notably of Presidents Roosevelt and Kennedy. She loved her family and will be missed by them and many friends.  Marlene is survived by her husband Fred; her children – Alanna (Adika) and Nicholas (Alex); brothers – Milton (Deane) Richter of Berrien Springs, Michael (Sharon) Richter of Stevensville, and Melvin (Connie) Richter of Fishers, IN; and her five beloved grand-dogs. She was preceded in death by a brother Donald.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 11:00 A.M. at the Crystal Springs Church of God, 1465 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Crystal Springs Church of God or to the South West Michigan Humane Society. On line condolences in Marlene’s memory may be made at www.starks-menchinger.com