Marlene T Biehl

Marlene Theresa Lehmann Biehl, born Jan. 13, 1930 in Chicago, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Maria von Rupprecht Lehmann and Karl Lehmann and was baptized at St. Alphonsus Church, where her parents married.

Marlene grew up in a creative, faith-filled home. Her father, a WWI soldier, commissioned artwork, painted, and repaired musical instruments working for Lyon and Healy. Her mother was a needlework artist. Marlene loved music and was known for a powerful contralto voice—said to be capable of shattering glass. She attended St. Clement’s and St. Benedict’s Catholic Schools, where she sang in the choir and joined the Turnverein gymnastics club. She performed with The Northerners, an accomplished singing group sponsored by The Northern Trust Bank.

In 1938, at age 8, Marlene traveled on the SS Europa to Germany to visit her grandparents. This trip was one of her most treasured memories and she regaled her children and grandchildren with stories of this voyage throughout her life.

She graduated from Amundsen High School in 1947. While buying a root beer float at a Lincoln Park drug store, she met her future husband, a “soda jerk” named Richard Biehl. They married on Jan. 24, 1953, at St. Benedict Church after a long delay due to Richard’s service in the Korean War. Richard became a 42-year contributor to the Chicago Tribune and administrative assistant to Robert Hunt, President and Chief Executive of the Tribune Company. With Richard’s connection, Marlene joined the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio—where she met publisher Colonel McCormick and was known to walk his dogs on lunch breaks. As Richard’s public relations career at the Tribune flourished, Marlene supported him by hosting events for movie stars, authors, politicians, and artists. Together, they were a social power couple for decades.

Marlene and Richard raised daughters Kathryn Maria and Mary Ellen in a home full of music, creativity, and love. She was a dedicated mother and supportive partner. After Richard’s death in 1988, Marlene moved to Glen Ellyn, Ill., where she was active in the Glen Ellyn Women’s Club, supporting scholarships for high school students.

Marlene’s passions included playing the piano, stitchery, gardening, and caring for her dogs (Happy Days, Barnaby, and Teddy) and her cat (Emy). She loved space exploration, science fiction, and the supernatural. A skeptical, funny, and provocative thinker, Marlene never shied from challenging prevailing ideas or conventional wisdom. Her storytelling brought family history to life, kindled laughter, and inspired passion. She will be remembered for her joy and an unyielding spirit.

She is survived by her daughters Kathryn Biehl Micheli (Paul Micheli) and Mary Ellen Biehl Savage (Thomas Savage); her grandchildren, Paul Micheli (Christine Diaz), Laura Micheli Daly (Gavin Daly), Valerie Savage (Brian Marszelak), Melissa Savage Bock (Brian Bock), Mark Micheli (Sarah Hall Micheli), and Stephanie Savage; and her great-grandchildren, Evelyn Bock, Violet Daly, Gretchen Bock, Rosie Daly, Sophia Garvey, Grant Savage Marszelak, Victoria Savage Marszelak, and Rex Micheli. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard—to whom her devotion was lifelong; his siblings Marie (Matt) Haumann, Fr. August Biehl, S.M. and Paul Biehl; and her close cousins Albert (Elsie) Brunner, Walter (Silke) Lehmann, and Helen (Bill) Carey.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Marlene to the Ray Graham Association, to support their Horsemanship program. Donations can be made at https://www.raygraham.org/donate

A visitation for Marlene will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 820 Division St, Lisle, IL 60532, followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleums 1400 S Wolf Rd. Hillside, IL 60162.