Marlene Marie Karabinus

Marlene was born in Joliet, IL to Calneh and Helen (Koehler) Barnes on April 28, 1932. She married John Conroy on November 2, 1952, in Joliet, IL. She operated a ceramic studio and shop out of her home in Joliet, IL for over 20 years. She taught four classes a week in her studio. Her second marriage was to Robert (Bob) Karabinus on March 1, 1980, in Joliet, IL. They resided in DeKalb, IL, for nine years before retiring to New Braunfels, TX, in 1989.

She and her husband Bob were very involved in the Square and Round Dance community while in IL, and then in and around New Braunfels. They attended numerous dance weekends and conventions across the country over the years. They were excellent dancers and taught many people to Round Dance. Marlene was a very accomplished seamstress, making all her own clothes, and many items for Bob, including suits. Their gorgeous coordinating dance outfits were a work of art. She attended sewing conventions throughout the country and took many classes on various sewing techniques. There was a ceramic studio for her own use in her home in New Braunfels. Besides creating many pieces for her friends and family, Marlene started making porcelain dolls. She painted the dolls and went on to create involved, intricate clothing for them. These dolls were entered in competitions and always brought home First Place ribbons as well as a few Best of Show awards. She was very proud of her “dollies.” Marlene loved to garden and loved to have roses blooming outside her kitchen window. Her dog, Max, was a treasure to her.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Joyce Vogen, her husband Robert Karabinus, her daughter Penelope Brockie, and son-in-law Harlan Chizen.

Marlene is survived by daughter Amy Chizen of North Carolina, step-daughters Paula Michelsen of WA, Janet Chaffee (James) of WI, Audrey Karabinus (Jack Lofton) of WA, grandchildren Georgia Pancoast (Calvin) and family of TX, Kathleen Colvin and family of TX, Sophia Robertson (William) and family of VA, and Adam Chizen and family of WA, and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her son-in-law Christopher Kistner and his wife Krista of TX.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Jake Fain of Peace Lutheran Church. Cremation and arrangements were under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Peace Lutheran Church Youth Scholarship Fund or The American Cancer Society.