Darlene L. Wegner, age 94, of Merrill, died January 29, 2014, at Pine Crest Nursing Home.
Darlene was born April 8, 1920, in Johnstown, WI, daughter of the late Roy and Helen Westrick. She married Raymond Wegner on December 28, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death on January 18, 2013, after seventy-two years of marriage. Darlene graduated from Whitewater High School. She and Raymond lived in Whitewater and raised their two children there. When Raymond retired, they moved to Merrill in 1984. Darlene was an outstanding homemaker, and she enjoyed her gardens, sewing, reupholstering, collecting and refinishing antiques, and cooking. She took pride in decorating her lovely home, her flower gardens, and hosting the annual Wegner Christmas Eve gathering. In earlier years, Darlene enjoyed flying with her pilot husband. She also enjoyed visits from her family, especially all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Darlene is survived by her children, Lee G. (Kathleen) Wegner, Merrill, and Kathy R. (David) Wittnebert, Seneca, SC; her grandchildren, Krista H. (Mark) Mc Caulley and their children Molly Regina and Sadie Annette; Erik R. (Michelle Busha) Wegner and children Emily Kathryn, Sophia Anna, Grace Michelle, and Luke Erik; Peter S. (Rebecca Prain) Wegner and child, Kaleb Spangler; Joel R. (Jodie) Wegner and children Ella Rae, Elijah Lee, Evelyn E. and Amaryllis O., and step children Jacob, Elizabeth, and Shayna; and Lee and Kathy’s former daughter in law, Sarah (Klug) Wegner, mother of Ella, Elijah, and Evelyn; a brother, Bill (Ellen) Westrick, Madison; a sister, Nancy Morrow of Janesville; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Darlene is preceded in death by her father and mother in law, Henry and Sarah Wegner; three sisters, Peg Westrick, Imogene (and her husband, Floyd) Bjork, and Neva Flood; and a grand-nephew, Alex.
Her family has had many wonderful decades with Grandma, and for that we are blessed. She taught us much about life and living healthy. She showed us the importance of loyalty in our family.
Our family extends gratitude to all her many caregivers at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Hospice.
The Wegner family will conduct a private celebration of her life at a later date. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com