Darlene L. Steffen

Darlene L. Steffen, 85, left her earthly life and went to meet her daughter Serena and her other loved ones in heaven on January 27, 2023. Darlene was a resident of the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home for the past 9 years of her life. Darlene was employed at GranCare Nursing home for most of her working life. She was known for her dedication and hard work ethic. Darlene loved to tell (dirty) jokes and was known for her fun-loving personality, yet sometimes stubbornness as well. She always loved a good challenge if one presented itself. Darlene was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed attending all her son in laws, and grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, school plays and more. In her early year’s she loved to travel with her friends and sister’s. She was always doing something. She couldn’t sit still. Her energy and fun-loving personality will be missed by many. Surviving Darlene is her daughter Jan (Ron) Chaney, granddaughter Jayna (Greg) Rhoades, grandsons: Brian (Leah) Loehr, Brett (Nikki) Loehr and Ben Loehr; her sister Shirley Ferguson of Fond du Lac, her brother Dean Retzleff of Madison, her sisters in law: Bonnie Steffen of Fond du Lac, Lauren Retzleff of N. Fond du Lac, Donna Retzleff of Mt. Calvary and Polly Field of Madison; her brother in law Curt Law of Fond du Lac, her son in law Jeff (Laura) Loehr of Fond du Lac, and her special friend- Debbie (Mark) Koehler of Fond du Lac, along with many special nieces, nephews and friends! Darlene was blessed with six great granddaughters, one step-great granddaughter, two step-great grandsons, and one great grandson due any day! She was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter Serena, parents, and sisters: Delores Law and Gail Rebedew; her brother Tom Retzleff, brothers in law: James Steffen, Gene Moore, Ed Rebedew and John Ferguson; sister in law Betty Moore and former husband Bruce Steffen. At Darlene’s Request there will be no funeral, cremation has taken place. Jan would like to extend a VERY special Thank you to: Jay & Jean Koch for all their loving care and the extra time they spent caring for Darlene when Jan couldn’t be there for her. Also, to Marlene, Darlene’s nurse for the past nine years while at the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home for her special touch in taking care of Darlene’s needs and “moments” and all her kindness and patience with Mom, along with too many kind and gentle CNA’s that became friends over the years. And last but not least Lana Manke from Hospice. Jan could not have done this journey through her mother’s Parkinson and Dementia over the years without you. Thank you.

Darlene L. Steffen

September 20, 1937 - January 27, 2023