Marianne was born on October 29, 1938 in Fintel, a small farming community near Hamburg, Germany. At the age of 19, she emigrated to America, where she began working in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, learning the English language and developing lifelong friendships.
In 1968 Marianne married Johann at the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, the beginning of a 57 year union. She spent the next two decades raising her five children, working part-time, and then later beginning her career in the insurance industry.
Her community involvement was extensive and included membership and leadership of the German American Cultural Center (GACC), the GBU Saxonia Rheingold Mixed Choir, the Carpathia Choir, GBU District 821 (which she was instrumental in creating), DASV German-American Marksmanship Club, Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC). She also promoted the German language at church by teaching German Sunday School and directing a German children's choir.
Marianne was granted the "Lifetime Service Award" in 2014, presented by the President of the United States for community service. In 2018, she was awarded "German American of the Year" in recognition of her dedication to promoting the German language and culture.
Marianne is survived by her children: Matthias Krenzer of Eastpointe, Sieglinde (Vincenzo) Lico of Macomb, Wolfgang (Heidi) Krenzer of Findlay, Ohio, Ursula (Jeff) Lundberg of St. Clair Shores, and Annette (Todd) Fischer of Detroit; grandchildren: Alec Krenzer, Katherine, Anneka, Emmaline Krenzer, Elise Torp, Kristen, Allison and Erika Berger; and brother, Helmut Beneker.
Marianne is preceded in death by her husband, Johann; parents: Heinrich and Minna; and siblings: Gunter, Siegfried, and Hannelore Beneker.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 12pm-8pm at Kaul Funeral Home - 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48035. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11am, with a one hour gathering prior at 10am, at Kaul Funeral Home. Marianne will be laid to rest following the services at Resurrection Cemetery -18201 Clinton River Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48038.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her church, St. Paul Lutheran Church - 22915 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 or the German American Cultural Center- P.O. Box 237, Warren, MI 48090-0237, in memory of Marianne.
