Darleen M. Fick, age 80, passed away surrounded by family on May 10, 2014 at the Artisan Assisted Living facility in Merrill, under the care of Ministry Hospice.
She was born on Dec. 12, 1933 to John and Florence (Watson) Petrus in the city of Milwaukee. She attended and graduated from school in Milwaukee. Darleen met and married her one and only love of her life, Irvin Fick. They were married on Dec. 23, 1950 in Wauwatosa.
Darleen was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking bread and canning vegetables. She was well known for her wonderful onion pie. She was a homemaker early in life, raising seven children with love and care. Darleen was often thought of by her family as being the heart of the home.
From 1977-1997, Darleen and Irvin owned and operated “Hour Place” bar in Merrill, where they put in many long days, but truly loved their work. They were also long time members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin. Before Irvin’s death in 1997, they would enjoy taking trips to Las Vegas together. Darleen loved to gamble, and she especially loved that one-armed bandit! She enjoyed going to casinos and loved playing cards, cribbage and pinocle. Darleen was most passionate about bowling. She was an excellent bowler and even joined some bowling leagues. She will be sadly missed.
Darleen in survived by her daughters: Christine (Walter) Alaconis of Kennewick, WA, Janet (Michael) Kuehn of Hot Springs Village, AR, Debrah Fick (Eric Souza) of Antigo, Sherri (Tom) Searing of Port Washington, Charleen (John) Giese of Merrill; her sons: Irvin Michael Fick (fiance Cheryl Hanson), Dennis (Traci) Fick of Merrill; her brother, Larry (Sharon) Petrus of Florida; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, together with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Irvin, sisters, Dorene Petrus, JoAnn Watson, Jeannette Elgeti and Juanita Mittelsteadt; grandchildren, Shawn Fick and Kristi Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Missy Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday and from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening, all held at Waid Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.