MADISON - Darlene Grace (Burton) Radel was born on Jan. 24, 1934, to Grace Emeline Taft and Loren Charles Burton in Haney, Wis. She was baptized on Nov. 2, 1941, in Steuben, Wis., and became a member of the First Congregational Church in Steuben on July 31, 1949. She was united in marriage to Gordon Edwin Radel on Friday, June 13, 1952, at the First Presbyterian Church in Richland Center, Wis.

The same year, Gordon and Darlene built their first home in Madison, Wis. Darlene and Gordon raised their four children, Daniel (Sharon) Radel, Michael Radel, Candace Nielson and Tamara Radel. Darlene worked at Sentry Foods for 29 years as head cashier before transitioning to a role at Great Wisconsin Credit Union (formerly CUNA) for an additional five years before her retirement. During Darlene’s time at Sentry and CUNA, she was regularly recognized for her exemplary service, including being named as employee of the year at CUNA. In her spare time, she also volunteered for St. Mary’s Hospital in their gift shop and served as the “cookie lady” for the St. Mary’s Auxiliary, as a voting precinct volunteer worker in the Western District of Wisconsin, volunteered for Badger Honor Flight, and as a steward for her home church, Trinity Lutheran Church for decades.

Darlene and Gordon enjoyed vacationing in Cape Cod, Mass., Maine, and in numerous trips to Door County, Wis. Darlene and Gordon also enjoyed a trip by motorhome to the east coast in 1972 and also ventured into Michigan and Canada. Darlene and Gordon were lucky enough to enjoy 50 years of marriage before Gordon passed in 2002.

Darlene took meticulous care of herself and her home. She took pride in her appearance and never missed an appointment with her hairdresser. She never let her appearance lack, even in her later years, and would not leave the house looking anything less than her best. Darlene enjoyed her Steiff bears and nautical items that reminded her of Gordon’s 40 years in the U.S. Navy. Darlene would take Tamara to the Madison Farmers’ Market for years and one time she brought her son Daniel along as well. Darlene used him as extra help to carry the countless flats of flowers back to the car, which exasperated Daniel and made the women chuckle. Candace enjoyed the long walks with her mother, Darlene, due to Darlene’s ability to talk about all of the beauty in nature as part of God’s creation.

Darlene is preceded in death by her son, Daniel (d. Jan. 20, 2002); husband, Gordon (d. May 27, 2002); mother, Grace (d. June 13, 1949); father, Loren (d. Feb. 6, 1981); and siblings, Ann Loken (d. Nov. 15, 2014) and Kenneth L. Burton (d. July 10, 2018); nephew, Mark Loken (d. Aug. 30, 1991); and grandson, Alex Gundlach (d. March 3, 2000). Darlene is survived by her sister, Betty (Witold) Launer; sister-in-law, Mary Burton; children, Michael Radel, Candace (Kevin) Nielson and Tamara Radel; along with her grandchildren, Michael (Cassie) Shumway, Janet Shumway, Megan (Cory) Orvold-Scheider, Monica (Eric) Weaver, Shawn (Sarah) Rakow, Samantha (Kellen Rupert) Gundlach, Sophia (Arturo) Gundlach, Jenna Nielson, Terra (John) Raymaker and Jacinda Jenkins. Darlene was also lucky enough to enjoy the love from her great-grandchildren, Nathan Martin, Emmaline Shumway, Jovie Shumway, Preston Kubitschek, Jaelyn Reeher, Lillian Reeher, Annilynn Reeher, Callahan Weaver, Paisley Rakow, Peyton Rakow, Caleb Jenkins, Richard Brunette and Julian Chrillo.

Darlene died on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at her home, which was built by her husband, surrounded by family before being called home to the Lord. Darlene was loved by countless people and gave love unconditionally. Darlene dealt with dementia for the last seven years of her life but was at peace during her final journey in life. The family is thankful for the help that her grandchild, Megan Orvold-Scheider, provided as Darlene’s death doula in her transition towards the end-of-life and for her support to the family in handling their grief. The family is also grateful for the support from countless friends, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Heartland Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Friends and family wishing to view the service via LIVE STREAM may do so by visiting Trinity Lutheran Church’s website at tlcmsn.org at 11 a.m. Tuesday. A luncheon at the church will follow the funeral service, and burial at Roselawn Memorial Park will follow the luncheon. Visitation will be held at Gunderson EAST Funeral AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Monday, June 27, 2022, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Darlene Grace Radel

January 24, 1934 - June 16, 2022

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