Marlene M. Rybensky

Marlene M. Rybensky, January 29, 1939 ~ March 4, 2026

Marlene Rybensky was born January 29, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Adolph and Helen Brown. She grew up in South Omaha and attended Vinton Elementary School and Omaha South High School. After graduating, she attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha to pursue a degree in education. Marlene passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, surrounded by family after a long battle of health complexities.

Marlene was an only child, but her love and family multiplied quickly. One night, while attending a polka dance at the Eagles Club, she found herself drawn to the drummer. That drummer turned out to be John Rybensky, the man she would soon marry. Through their marriage, Marlene gained a big family, with whom she shared a close and special bond. Their gatherings were always full of love, excitement, laughter, and plenty of noise. Those were memories she treasured deeply.John and Marlene went on to build a loving family together, raising three wonderful children of their own: Johnny, Lori and Lisa.

Marlene dedicated her career to helping children learn reading and grammar as an education paraprofessional. She was known for her patience and encouragement in helping young students build confidence in reading. During her career, she formed lasting friendships with coworkers who called themselves the “Lunch Bunch,” gathering regularly for themed brunches and maintaining their friendship for decades.

Marlene and her husband John shared a love for traveling together which included riding in “Buddy”. Their daughter and son-in-law’s RV. One of their favorite pastimes was visiting casinos and spending time together at the slot machines, something they both enjoyed before health challenges made it more difficult. Beyond her work as an educator, Marlene was also a full-time caregiver. She devoted many years to caring for her husband as he battled cancer and faced numerous health-related issues. She showed incredible strength, patience, and compassion during that time. The care and love she gave him were a true reflection of the kind of person she was. Marlene was a role model in so many ways, especially as an example of a strong and capable woman. She was incredibly organized, often ahead of schedule, and had an amazing ability to anticipate what people needed before they asked. Her home reflected that samecare and attention, everything had its place, and it was always immaculate.

Spending time with family, was Marlene’s favorite past time. Marlene was often referred to as grandma “Wicky” because Rybensky was too difficult for children to say. Sherarely missed important events in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed a graduation, dance recital, sporting event or birthday party. In her free time, her hobbies included gardening, especially growing tomatoes and flowers, feeding the birds, shopping, playing cards and board games with family. Both Marlene and John spoke frequently of their legacy and that is exactly what they built. She was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren and promoted to “GiGi” as a great-grandmother to seventeen great-grandchildren: Arabella, Avonlea, Adaline, Weston, Wyatt, Ashlyn, Travis, Rowan, Rylie, Rori, Ava, Bentley, Braxton, Aubrie, Olivia, Hazel, and Mackenzie.

Marlene Rybensky was preceded in death by her husband, John Rybensky, parents Adolph and Helen Brown, sister-in-law Roseanne Bartling, and brother-in-law Charles Rybensky.

She is survived by her children: John Rybensky (Holly), Lori Hulsebus (Dan), and Lisa Reeves (Ryan).

Grandchildren: Ryan Schweitzer (Linda), Justin, Phillip, and Mathew Rybensky; Danny Hulsebus (Jen), Amanda Grothe (Joe), and David Hulsebus; Andrew Reeves (Hilary), Jori Robison (Michael), and Kyle Reeves (Joslyn), along with seventeen great-grandchildren.

Marlene was the heart that connected us all and the true staple that kept us all together no matter how challenging or chaotic life got. Her love, her presence, and the memories she helped create will always remain a part of our family. She will be dearly missed for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to a fund supporting children’s education in memory of Marlene Rybensky Or please Venmo @jori-robison / https://venmo.com/u/Jori-Robison

VISITATION: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at from 2-4:00pm at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel).

CELEBRATION OF MARLENE'S LIFE: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:00 am at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel).

INTERMENT: Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial ParK

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services (6505 S. 144th St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400)