Darlene Sann of Merrill passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4th at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the care of hospice and with family at her side.
Darlene was born February 3, 1939 to Clarence and Myrtle (Dorn) Henrich in the Town of Pine River. In 1961, she married David E. Sann at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pine River. They lived in the Town of Texas running a small dairy farm, gardening, growing flowers and raising their three children until Dave’s death in 1982. Darlene moved to Merrill where she remained a homemaker and also worked for the Lincoln County Nursing Service. In her younger years, Darlene also worked at the Merrill Glove Factory and with her aunt and uncle at the family tavern, Henrichs Club.
Darlene is survived by her children, Douglas D. Sann, Darla D. Sann(Tim S. Koenig), and Diana D. Sann, all of Merrill; and her step grandchildren, Nick K. Koenig, of Merrill and Asonja N. Koenig, of Wausau. She is further survived by one brother, George (Nancy) Henrich, Sr.; three sisters Dianne (Henrich) Belling, Judith (Engles) Schwemm, and Rita (Engles) Kimmins; her step-father, Howard Engles; as well as thirteen nieces and nephews; fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews and; one great-great-nephew. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, David E. Sann; and her parents, Clarence and Myrtle Henrich.
Darlene enjoyed many things: her large collection of knick- knacks and salt/pepper shakers, couponing, and snuggling with her kitties: Prince Charlie, Lady and Munchkin. She loved spending time with her family, especially at family reunions and holidays, and visiting with her wonderful friends & neighbors. She also liked going out to lunch, taking car rides in the country, listening to the local radio station, WJMT, and especially listening to the Polkas. Some of her recent favorite outings were going to see the Merrill City Band and to Eagles Club for the Women Connecting Club, with her friend and care-giver Chris Strasser-Gano.
Mom was very proud of her children and loved to help support any fundraiser they were working on at the time. Her favorites were the Annual Pine River Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser where she loved to see her son, Doug, dressed in his uniform and to have lunch and play in some raffles. Also, the Lincoln County Humane Society Fall Banquet where she enjoyed the raffles, dinner and meeting people with her daughter, Darla. She also loved all the crafts that her youngest daughter, Diana, made and brought home for her to enjoy. She was very happy to spend time with Tim, Nick & Asonja, especially when she would babysit the grandkids in their younger years. She always had plenty of mint ice cream to go around!
Our family would like to thank all the staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home, and her many doctors and nurses over the years. A special thanks also goes to Kindhearted Home Care for the help they have given our family through the years.
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 P.M., Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Susan Christian will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com