Lillian Mae Palenske

Lillian Mae Palenske, 87, of Topeka, died June 5, 2008 at her home.

She was born on the Sheburt farm in Wabaunsee County, Kansas on February 9, 1921 the daughter of Amasiah and Cecilia (Tenbrink) Bodell.  She was a graduate of Alma High School and of the Clark’s School of Business.

Mae was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and especially loved spoiling her grandchildren.  She enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking, flower and vegetable gardening, dancing, singing, playing bass guitar and the ukulele.

Mae was a riveter during World War II.  She was a school teacher, day care provider and worked in the school lunch program. 

She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. 

Mae married Melvin E. “Buster” Palenske on September 11, 1945 in Alma, Kansas.  He predeceased her on February 3, 2000.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Ann Diehl.

Survivors include her children, Thomas Palenske of Osage City, Patricia Gros of Topeka, Albert Palenske of Topeka, Fredrick Palenske and his wife Pamela of Auburn, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mae will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Sunday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A parish prayer service will be at 6:00.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Family Cemetery in Alma, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Heartland Hospice or Meals on Wheels and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 West Sixth Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.