NOTE: This obituary and service information is being shared on behalf of the family. Lynne is being cared for by Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home Hartford, WI. To view her obituary page at Berndt-Ledesma please visit: https://www.berndt-ledesmafuneralhome.com/obituary/Linda-Oehlke.

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Lynne on December 5, 2025 from her journey with cancer.

She leaves behind the memory of someone joyful and warm, whose laugh, smile, and hugs made people feel instantly at home. Her persistence—sometimes paired with a love for being right—became its own quiet teacher, urging others to think deeply, communicate thoughtfully, and take pride in their experiences.

Her legacy is one of strength, curiosity, and fearless growth. She lived her life with a rare blend of confidence and openness, always learning, always expanding, always encouraging others to reach for more. Her independence and adventurous spirit set a powerful example: don’t settle, don’t fear change, and never let age or uncertainty keep you from pursuing what you feel led to do.

Lynne was a respected leader and pioneer in the field of social work, project development, and policy. Her Masters in Social Work and Human Services Administration aligned with employment at UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Racine County Dept of Human Services and teaching at Cardinal Stritch College. Lynne last worked and retired from St Catherines Residence for Women in 2013 where she served as the President/Executive Director and provided safe, affordable, and supportive housing for low-income women of diverse situations.

After retiring Lynne directed her talents to Nonprofit Management Consulting and SCORE mentoring for women looking to build their business and advance professional networking opportunities and enhancements.

Her business, LJO Creations, established her as a talented metalsmith, designer, and jeweler.

She remained active in Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs, DIAD, Tempo and Zonta and enjoyed family, travel, tennis, golf, and gardening.

She leaves behind her loving husband Tom Marlett, stepdaughter Alisa and her husband John Meinz, step son Matt and wife Shelby Marlett, sisters Pat (Paul) Wotachek, Suzanne (Ernest King) Oehlke, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene Oehlke, Martha Staral Oehlke, her first husband Richard Greenguard and the parents of Tom Marlett; Jean Dolge and Nevin Marlett.

In the end, Lynne’s legacy is not just who she was, but what she inspired in others: ambition without apology, curiosity without end, and a life chosen never settled for.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on January 10, 2026, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church 1100 N Astor St Milwaukee WI 53202 starting at 10 am. A light lunch and fellowship will follow.