MONONA - Darlene Dederich passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Monona, with family at her side. She was born July 14, 1934, to the late Adam and Elizabeth (Kruchten) Maier.

Darlene was a graduate of Sauk City High School, class of 1952. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Dederich on July 30, 1955; he preceded her in death on May 28, 2001, after 45 years of marriage. Several years later, she married Eugene “Gene” Pings on August 20, 2004. He preceded her in death on December 24, 2018, after 14 years of marriage.

We heard Darlene say numerous times that she knew she had had a very good life. And she did. She was smart and kind and had a big heart. She was a talented seamstress. She also created beautiful gardens at her houses in Cottage Grove and DeForest.

Darlene was good-natured. She smiled and laughed often even in her last months. She was fun to be around. People always enjoyed seeing her at gatherings. She was “Aunt Dardoon” and was a special aunt to many. Darlene loved robins in the spring, she loved summer, and breakfast. But most of all she loved her family, loved seeing them and spending time with them.

Darlene is survived by her children, Jim (Sheri), Curt (Krista), Kris (Steve) Wear and Kellie (Pat) Mahoney; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Patti Brings, Mark (Mary), Mike (Julie) and Pam (Kurt) Koenig; and 10 step-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her siblings, George (Florentina) Maier, Raymond Maier, Ann (Edward) Mulhall, Rose (Greg) Endres, Florina (Howard) Lenerz, Herbert (Delores) Maier, Betty Ann (Rod) Hutter, Laverne (Betty Jean) Maier, Ronald Maier and Joann (Mike) Reichman; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Maier; and step son-in-law, Gordy Brings.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

To lose our Mom, Darlene, is hard, really hard. We will miss her a lot. We also know deep down that we are immensely grateful that she was in our lives.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Darlene Therese Dederich

July 14, 1934 - June 12, 2026

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