Darlene Marie Pinnow passed away March 24, 2021, at Lakeshore Manor in Oshkosh, where she resided for the past 2 ½ years. Darlene was blessed with God’s grace throughout her lifetime, and is finally with her Lord and Savior. 

Darlene was born in Oshkosh on July 13, 1937, to Herbert and Margaret (Dillon) Schmude. She was baptized into faith on August 27, 1937, and confirmed March 18, 1950. Darlene was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Church in Winneconne until 1983, and Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oshkosh until her passing. 

Darlene decided in second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. She graduated from Winneconne High School in 1955 and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the early 1960’s. Teaching was her passion, and Darlene taught 4th grade in the Neenah School District her entire 34-year career. Darlene married Jack Pinnow on June 23, 1957, and they made their home in Winneconne for 59 years before moving to Oshkosh in 2017. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Jack’s death in 2018. 

Darlene and Jack shared a passion for traveling, and spent numerous years touring the world, visiting their favorite city, London, 36 times. They were blessed with a long and active retirement together, exercising and taking their daily walks. They never missed their granddaughter’s musical performances, field trips, or soccer games. Darlene also spent much of her time serving her Lord. She taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and served on numerous church committees. Darlene enjoyed writing letters and cards to her friends and family and always remembered birthdays and anniversaries. She and Jack loved their many cats and generously supported their local animal shelters. 

Darlene was a voracious reader. You rarely saw her without a book in her hand - British mysteries to be precise. She loved hosting holiday meals, her favorite being Easter dinner. She took great care setting the table with her Royal Doulton china, of which she was so proud. She spent any spare time cooking and baking. Her Red Velvet cakes, baked beans, and dill dip were a family favorite. 

Darlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Malynda and Kurt Beuth, Neenah; granddaughters, Sara (Travis) North, Plymouth, MN; and Megan (Ryan) Carlson, St. Paul, MN. She became great-grandma with the addition of Connor and Calla North and Jack Carlson. Darlene is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol (Bob) Beiser, Winneconne; and Arlene Waite, Milwaukee; many loving nieces and nephews and their families, church friends, and Winneconne friends. 

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; and her in-laws. 

A service of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1745 Ohio Street, Oshkosh. Pastor John Dorn officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial in the Winneconne Cemetery after the funeral. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. 

Darlene’s family would like to thank Megan and the caring staff at Lakeshore Manor, Ashley, Robin, Tiffany, and Sarah at Compassus Hospice, and Chaplain Matt for his wonderful words of comfort. Thank you all for your concern and care for Darlene during this difficult time. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tribute gift donation in Darlene’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or your local animal shelter. 

“Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.