Marlene (Tyke) Munnagle

Marlene “Tyke” Munnagle (nee Diedrich)

Tyke, 81, of Menomonee Falls, WI, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 5, 2026. She was born August 29, 1944, to Leo and Genevieve (Doornek) Diedrich.
Tyke was welcomed into eternal life by her parents, in-laws, many dear friends and cherished dogs, minus one - not quite as cherished.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob Munnagle, loving children, Kelly (Tim) Meyer, Shelly (Dave) Wolfe, Mike (Peggy) Munnagle. She was blessed to be the loving grandma of Daniel Meyer, Megan (Dean) Schilling, Morgan (Scott) Eldredge, Mindy and McKenzie Wolfe, Sydney and Nate Munnagle and great grandmother of Keltey and Jack Schilling and Baby Eldredge arriving soon. She is further survived by her dear brothers Tom (Liz) Diedrich and Dick Diedrich and caring brother-in-law Jim (Mary) Munnagle, nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
Tyke grew up in Butler, Wisconsin, and attended St. Agnes School, where she met her lifelong friends she treasured so dearly. The “Butler gals” shared many fun times and still continue to get together. After attending Menomonee Falls High School her freshman year, she transferred to Pius High School. She stayed in touch with her freshman lab partner, Frannie Kaiser, who eventually led her to the love of her life, Bob.
Bob and Tyke were married on April 25, 1964, and began growing their family and in no time at all, they needed more space and moved to Manchester Drive in Menomonee Falls, where they quickly became close friends with their beloved neighbors—also known as the Manchester Drive Group (aka “Club”). The ladies met monthly to have lunch, play games and catch up. Eventually expanding to weekends away and casino jaunts, which were always a favorite of hers.
Once Mike started kindergarten, Tyke began a career as a bookkeeper while continuing to support her children in their many activities at St. Anthony’s, where she also formed treasured friendships. Many of those friends camped together, while others enjoyed trips Up North. No matter the activity, time spent together was always cherished.
After retiring, Bob and Tyke traded their pop-up camper for a fifth wheeler and began traveling with their Roamer friends. She loved the adventures that came with camping from April through October and especially treasured the evenings spent chatting around the campfire.
Tyke loved staying connected. She was often the first to wish someone well on their special day with a card and a social media post—usually written at 12:01 a.m. She followed the locations of her “chickens” (her children and grandchildren) on the Find My app, especially during cross-country trips, and once they arrived, she was always sure to send a quick text, grateful they made it safely. She was our go-to whenever we needed help removing tough stains from clothing, balancing a checkbook, wanting advice, or simply needing to vent. She loved the color blue, playing games, watching birds—especially hummingbirds—reading and thunderstorms. Which felt fitting when a thunderstorm rolled in the morning after she passed-we couldn’t help but think it was her way of acknowledging her safe arrival to Heaven. She’ll always be remembered by her family for her catch phrase, “Love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the very special staff at the Cancer Care Center for their compassionate care, kindness and support throughout her four and a half year journey. Our family is also incredibly thankful to the many friends and loved ones who supported us with texts, calls, visits, meals, flowers and other thoughtful acts of kindness that meant more to us than words can express. In addition, we extend our deepest gratitude to all blood donors for their generosity and for giving a gift that truly saves lives!
Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Church N88W17658 Christman Rd. Menomonee Falls from 9:30-11:30 on March 16, 2026, followed by Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry or Froedtert Cancer Care Center Menomonee Falls are appreciated.