Service Information
Darlene Schmidt, age 77, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, June 22, 2018, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, and will continue on Saturday beginning at 10:00 A.M., for one hour prior to the service, all at the funeral chapel.
Obituary
Darlene Lorraine Schmidt was born February 16, 1941, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, the daughter of Paul and Alice “Maizie” (Schrader) Miller. In her younger years, Darlene’s family moved around the local area many times. She attended Dassel and Lake Hook country schools. Her family settled in Hutchinson where she continued her education and graduated in 1959 at the Hutchinson High School.
Darlene became a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, and was baptized and confirmed there as an adult.
On June 24, 1967, Darlene was united in marriage to Roland Schmidt at the Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. They made their home in Buffalo Lake. Through the years, Darlene babysat in-home weekly for the Shirkey and Johnson families, and was employed with Telex, Hands, and Animal Fair. She retired in 1993 to become her husband’s full-time caregiver. Roland passed away on December 18, 2002. In 2015 Darlene moved back to Hutchinson and was a resident at Park Towers.
Darlene loved to dance and listen to the oldies and country western music. She eagerly looked forward to attending “Detour” the second Thursday of the month until she couldn’t due to health issues. Darlene liked to chat with others, but also liked quiet times when she could draw or crochet. She loved her soap operas and watching demolition derbies.
On Sunday, June 17, 2018, Darlene passed away at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson following a very brief illness. She had reached the age of 77 years, 4 months, 1 day. Blessed be her memory.
Darlene is survived by her:
Sister, Joyce Ecklund and husband Bob of Dassel;
Brother, Charles Miller and wife Jackie of Hutchinson;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law: Elvin Schmidt of St. Cloud, Rueben Schmidt and wife Karol of Bloomington, and Leona Hackbarth of Belle Plaine;
Aunt, Helen Miller of Hutchinson;
Nieces, Kelly McDonald of Hutchinson and Heather Ecklund of Shakopee;
Nephews, Patrick Ecklund and wife Jessica of Darwin, and Austin Ecklund of Dassel;
Cousin, Diane Krienke and husband Floyd of Hutchinson;
and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her Parents, Paul Miller and Alice Miller, Husband Roland Schmidt, Great-Nephew Terrick Bernhardt, and by many aunts and uncles.
Debi Decker says
Dear Joyce, Bob and family, deepest sympathy on the passing of your sister. She was always true to herself, and so friendly when I would see her in a store.
Joyce Ecklund says
Thank you Debi, she did have her own unique personality and she will be missed.
Bob, Joyce and family
Kathleen Doring says
Chuck, Jackie, Joyce and Bob
So sorry for the lose of your loved one.
Bruce and I send our deepest sympathy.
Joyce Ecklund says
Thank you for your kind words and sympathy.
Bob, Joyce, and family
Sandra Lodes Langner says
I was privileged to call Darlene friend. The Hutchinson Class of 1959 reunions were a favorite of Darlene’s and we could always count on her crafts she made to decorate the walls to show we were the ’50’s’. It is difficult to say goodbye to her. Thanks for the memories Darlene. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Sandy Lodes
Joyce Ecklund says
I remember my sister talking about you and the reunions. Yes, Darlene always looked forward to the reunions and showed me the pictures and videos of the evenings events as soon as she got them. Thank you for sharing your memory of my sister and sympathy to our family.
Joyce Ecklund