Darlene Dorothy (née Schoelzel) Wachtendonk, 95

Darlene Dorothy (née Schoelzel) Wachtendonk, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully at home, March 31, 2023, at the age of 95.

Darlene was born July 26, 1927, in Colby, Wis., to Rudolph and Olivia (née Meves) Schoelzel. She grew up in the Colby area, without running water or electricity until she was 17 years old. As the oldest daughter in a large family of 21 children, growing up with so many siblings she always had someone to play with. In 1945, she graduated from Colby High School and began her own adventures.

Darlene held a variety of jobs in her life; working on a chicken farm and in a shoe factory. One job, waitressing in Sheboygan, led her to meet Edward “Walkie” Wachtendonk Sr. On May 21, 1949, the two were married. They lived in Beloit and Green Bay before moving to Stevens Point in 1954 where they raised their two children, Joleen and Edward Jr. When the kids were young, they spent most summers camping and water skiing. Many evenings were spent around the campfire playing word games and singing.

Over the years, she tried, and enjoyed, numerous other activities such as golfing, cross country skiing, sewing, cross stitch, crocheting, quilting, bridge, and a card game anytime anywhere. Most of all, she loved to walk and hike in and out of the Grand Canyon with her sisters. She also participated in a walking full marathon when she was 70 with her then 7-year-old great grandson, Brennen, and sister Bea.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Joleen (Dan) Trustem; her grandchildren, Ben Trustem, Jena (Shen Sundance) Brune, Katye (Kyle) Bockin; and her great-grandchildren, Tanner, Cael, Jensen and Dana Trustem. Astera, Ezra, Aysa and Luke Sundance. Brennen Buck (Rachel), Jaeden and Landen Stilen, She is further survived by her sister, Sandy (Jim) Hudak.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Ed; her son, Edward “Skeeter”, and 19 brothers and sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 2151 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Chapel in Stevens Point is assisting the family with arrangements.