Marlene Krakow

In order to get into the passenger seat of Marlene Krakow’s car, you had to move a few things — mostly aprons and vests, ones she wore at the places she gave her time. She wasn’t just a dedicated volunteer, giving was at the core of her being. She gave her time and her love freely, and everyone was along for the ride to receive it.

Born in Atchison, KS, Marlene and her family moved to Kansas City where she completed her junior and senior year of high school at Southwest High. Though she attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in education, she ultimately became a dedicated fan of Jayhawk basketball. While she traveled extensively for Hallmark, holding a wide variety of positions and making life-long friends, she was grounded in her Kansas roots and became a pillar of Kansas City, building community in every corner. She taught the city’s school children, volunteered in a wide variety of capacities, and committed herself to making Kansas City better with her iron strength and never-ending kindness.

And she continued to give, even through the multiple bouts of the cancer she fought successfully for 38 years. At every turn, she approached new battles with the strength and determination to win. And she shared that strength with those who needed it most, talking with those going through the same fight on cancer hotlines, and just those who reached out through a friend, approaching these conversations with compassion and pragmatism.

As a volunteer in the waiting rooms of Menorah Medical Center - walking with a limp left behind by her first defeat of cancer and an oxygen tank caused as a result of her more recent winning battles, she encouraged patients and family members with the mantra she embodied: “There is nothing to worry about until there IS something to worry about.”

Marlene nourished the Jewish community of Kansas City and took deep care in maintaining its strength. Her matzah balls were incomparable, a recipe passed down from her mother, that only she perfected. She helped envision a new synagogue based on congregational engagement and leadership, was president of Kehilath Israel’s sisterhood, a respected board member, an engaged volunteer, and a beloved and devoted congregant. Through Day of Discovery, she willingly volunteered to spread knowledge and understanding while encouraging people to engage in acts of loving kindness. Exemplified by both of her sons’ engagement in their Jewish communities, she inspired many to commit themselves to leadership.

After Yom Kippur, Marlene’s house was full of family and friends, breaking the fast together, over bagels and blue cheese torte. Her greatest pride came from her family who shared her willingly with a seemingly endless list of friends. Many simply knew her as “Aunt Mar,” and never figured out who was really a niece or nephew. She connected with and encouraged those in their 90’s just as beautifully and individually as she did a toddler.

The ultimate highlight of her life was becoming a Bubbe. And she was the epitome of a Bubbe to her grandchildren and many others who lovingly shared in the joy and fun she brought to life. She shared with them her love of reading and cooking, loving them steadfastly and encouraging them all the way into adulthood. Hosting multiple sleepovers, she made Sunday morning chocolate chip pancakes and had an enviable basement full of art supplies and toys. She made her home an extension of her heart, open to them fully and completely.

Marlene passed away October 1, 2019 and was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Frieda Friedman, and her stepgrandson Adam Strongin. She is survived by her son Russell (Chavah) and his children Sydney, Myles, and Avery, and her son Jason (Andrea) and their children Morgan and Caleb, her sister Felicia Weiner (Seymour) and brother Gary Friedman (Patti) and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, The Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday October 3 at Louis Memorial Chapel.