Darlene M. Schulenberg

CROSS PLAINS - Darlene Mae (Klaudt) Schulenberg, 87, of Cross Plains passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare surrounded by her family.  Darlene was born on Jan. 19, 1937, in Dolton, S.D., to Ed and Martha Klaudt.  She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Menno, S.D. When Darlene was 8, her mother died.  Her Dad later married Lillian (Roth) Weber and they started Klaudt Services in Menno, a gas station and restaurant where Darlene worked as a waitress many years.

After graduating from Menno High School in 1955, she attended South Dakota State College in Brookings, S.D., and worked at different insurance firms. She married Ralph Schulenberg on April 26, 1959, and they were blessed with three children, Steven, Sandra, and Greg.  She worked at the Lands’ End call center for 17 years. After retiring, she worked part-time at Costco.

Darlene was a member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, serving in many ways including church council secretary.  She was active in American Legion Post 245 Auxiliary holding many offices including President and State Sergeant-At-Arms. With her husband, they traveled to 26 American Legion National and State Conventions. She was a member of the Harbor Athletic Club enjoying the many wonderful friends she made through the years.   With her husband, she could be found cheering on the Brewers, Packers and Badgers.

Darlene is grateful for having shared 65 years with her husband Ralph, who survives her.  Together their lives were filled with family, friends, hard work, travel, love, and faith in God.  She is also survived by her children, Steve (Vicki) of Cross Plains, Sandy (Ken) Hagen of McFarland, and Greg (Lisa) of Pittsboro, Ind.; grandchildren, Erin and Jordan Schulenberg, Sara Hagen, and Nick and Megan Schulenberg; step granddaughter, Rebecca Hagen; sister, Celesta (Marlin) Herrboldt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlene Klaudt, Judy Weber, Don (Jean) Schulenberg, Francis (Pat) Schulenberg, Ruth Ann (Errol) Erstad, Dennis (Sherrill) Schulenberg, and Della Green; along with many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Archie (Eileen) and Delano Klaudt; sister, Janice Johnson; and step-brothers, Glenn and Alvin Weber.  

A memorial service will be held at ST. MARTIN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2427 Church St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, with Pastor Maggie Anderson Peterson presiding. Interment will follow at Valley Home Cemetery, Cross Plains. A luncheon will follow the burial at church. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Darlene’s name to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141