Marlene Ann Grasberger

    Asheville – Marlene Ann Grasberger, 81, of Asheville, died peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021 at her residence surrounded by family and following a brief illness.

A native of Cincinnati, OH, she was a daughter of the late William and Christine Grunenberg. Marlene graduated from the nursing program at the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati and became a Registered Nurse. Shortly thereafter she married F. Nicholas Grasberger, Jr., moved to Milwaukee, WI and had four children over the following five years. The family subsequently lived in Mt. Vernon, OH, Spartanburg, SC and Mooresville, NC before moving to Asheville in 1998.

    Marlene was deeply loved and respected by her large family and diverse group of friends. She was firmly rooted in the Catholic Faith and was an active leader and volunteer in each of her Catholic communities. Marlene and her husband also traveled extensively throughout the US and the world and enjoyed hosting visitors from other countries in their home when visiting Asheville. She loved the North Carolina mountains and enjoyed being outdoors and experiencing the flora and fauna of the region. Earlier, Marlene produced and acted in several plays and was known as a terrific hostess at the many parties in her homes, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. Above all, Marlene was dedicated to her family and was always selfless in support of her husband, children and grandchildren.

    She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Francis Nicholas Grasberger, Jr.; three sons, F. Nicholas “Nick” Grasberger, III (Michele) of Lancaster, PA, Eric Allen Grasberger (Kim) of Portland, OR and Stephen Grasberger (“JJ”) of Charlotte, NC; one daughter, Lynn Grasberger Marchisen (Kyle) of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Phil Grunenberg of Honolulu, HI; one sister, Natasha Grunenberg of Columbus, OH as well as eleven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.

    A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at St. Barnabas Catholic Church with Father Adrian Porras celebrating. The family will receive friends from 5:00- 7:00 PM with a Rosary service at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 15 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.