Obituaries & Guestbook

Marian Kanzelberger, age 97 of Manitowoc, WI, peacefully fell asleep on Wednesday, August 10th, 2022. Marian was born on July 30th, 1925, in Benton Harbor, MI, to the late James and Fotine (Eliopoulos) Passiales. She was a graduate of Austin High in Chicago, IL and then furthered her education at DePaul University.
Survivors include her son James P. Peterson and his wife Molly, and their children Alex and Grace; grandsons Paul Peterson and James Peterson; and James’ and his wife Melissa’s daughter Eleni.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents, son Pete, brother John, and sisters Stella, Mary, and Fannie.
Marian enjoyed working with her brother and family at the Lemon Tree Restaurant in Maywood, IL and was an exceptional sales executive and proud owner of The Cawley Company in Manitowoc.
Marian served on the board of both the University of Wisconsin – Manitowoc and the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra. She dedicated herself to helping raise funds for many local organizations.
Marian valued her Greek heritage; was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Sheboygan, WI; loved helping with the parish’s Greek picnics; and also loved baking Greek pastries and delicacies. She was a chocolatier, and gifted many handmade chocolate baskets, filled with incredible handmade chocolates, to friends and family.
Marian had many passions which included hosting dinner parties at her home; traveling with friends and family across the country by car; flying to foreign countries; and especially going on cruises. She enjoyed game shows, Scrabble, Farkle, and needlepoint. She was a sharp, charismatic person with a great sense of humor, and had an appreciation for fine collectibles—collectibles which conveyed the positive, caring, loving, and whimsical aspects of life. Her greatest love was family, with her grandchildren being her pride and joy.
Marian was genuinely interested in making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. She always brought small gifts, for friends and family, from her travels, and, in general, loved to share her blessings.
As Marian’s great niece Lauryn described her – “Marian was the youngest of four dynamic sisters who enjoyed a remarkable and enduring bond of love and friendship. She was smart, witty, elegant, and strong.”
Family and friends may gather at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church located at 1425 S. 10th Street, Sheboygan, WI, on Tuesday August 16th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Leo Gavrilos will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
Special thanks to Father Leo for all the visits to Marian, at her home, over the years.
We also thank the entire staff of Manitowoc Home Health Care, especially Marsha, Rosie, and Cathy. We also would like to thank her private caregivers Denise, Kathy, Diane, Pam, and Melia. They all gave Rebel the highest love, care, and worked together as a true team.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home in Sheboygan is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com.