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Darlene Teresa Eckstein went peacefully in her sleep with family by her side, to the home of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

She was born on June 6, 1933, in New Holstein, WI to the late William & Martha Mielke.

Darlene graduated from Winneconne High School in 1951. It was on Church Rd. (Hilltop Rd) in Allenville where she met the love of her life, Lawrence Eckstein. They were married on September 27, 1952, in Dubuque, IA and made their home in Allenville. They had six children, with whom they would travel around the country with. Darlene didn't let the fear of flying stop her from traveling, which included trips to Europe and many other destinations.

She also enjoyed special activities such as watching the Packers, the birds, bowling in her earlier years, playing the slot machines, playing cards especially a good game of Sheepshead. Darlene loved spending time with her friends and grandchildren, watching them in their numerous activities, and taking them on many memorable adventures. Most recently, she enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren.

She was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church, Winneconne.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Lawrence L. Eckstein of Allenville; children, Rhonda A. Eckstein, of Neenah; Shelly Bunk, of Scandinavia; Julie Henke (special friend Mark), of Omro; Dorry Gilmore (special friend Gary), of Oshkosh; Tim (Jodi) Eckstein of Winneconne; Heidi (Joe) Jetty, of Winneconne; grandchildren, Ashlee (Earl) Dishmon, of Winneconne; Shawn Henke, of Winneconne; Jason Gilmore, of Oshkosh; Cole (Sarah) Gilmore, of Oshkosh; Cassie Jetty (special friend Cody), of Winneconne; Tyler Jetty (special friend Kesi), of Oshkosh; and Cody Bunk (special friend Zach), of Iola; great-grandchildren, RaeAnne Rhyzic, Leland Pipkorn, Landon Dishmon, and Hudson Gilmore; one brother, William R. Mielke; one brother-in-Law, Warren (Barbara) Eckstein; special friend, Marcy (Milton) Bahrke; and many other friends, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Martha Mielke; sons-in-law, Bruce Gilmore, Tom Kepler, and Ed Henke; and one grandson, Jacob Gilmore

A visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, November 21, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne. A funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Doug LeCaptain and Sr. Pam Biehl officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be in the Allenville Cemetery at a later date.

Darlene's family would like to thank all the caregivers "special angels" for all their care and support during the time of her illness.

We children would like to give a special "thank you" to our Dad for all the love, care, and dedication provided to our Mom over the years.