Darlene Richardt

Richardt, Darlene A. DEFOREST On Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, Darlene A. Richardt, age 65, of DeForest, walked through the gates of heaven to receive her angel wings. Now she sings and soars with the birds. Darlene was born on April 14, 1942, in McHenry, Ill., a daughter of Ernst and Helen (Kelley) Hutter. She married Joseph M. Richardt on May 5, 1970, in Madison. Darlene worked in housekeeping at St. Marys Hospital and Madison General Hospital, and later worked at Madison Opportunities Center. She was a singer and recorded a record in the 60s. Darlenes favorites were Irish, Country and Spiritual music. She was a former member of the Salvation Army of Madison and the American Legion Auxiliary of Sun Prairie. Darlene loved the outdoors and all the birds. When she wasnt able to go outdoors, she was often found watching Animal Planet. Those who phoned during "Meerkat Manor" were frequently hung-up on. A fan of the Packers and Brewers, Darlene followed their games by television and radio. Her love of the color red was obvious to anyone who knew her. Because of this, Darlene would admit to also following the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Joseph; two children, Duane Hutter of Oshkosh, and Kelley Richardt (Maria Parker) of Monona; granddaughters, Carrie Marie and Kailee McCormick, both of Penn Yan, N.Y.; and siblings, Barbara Nelson of Janesville, Donald (Carol) Hutter of Pell Lake, Ronald (Betty) Hutter of Darien, Judy (Richard) Kane of Florida, Mary (Gary) Zimmerman of Peoria, Ill., William Hutter of Calumet City, Ind., Tom (Stephanie) Hutter of Bowling Green, Ky., and Dorothy (Bruce) Cruikshank of Elkhorn. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Albert, George, Richard, James and Robert Hutter. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. A special thank you to Care Wisconsin (formerly ElderCare) and Sylvan Crossings in Waunakee, for the care and compassion given to Darlene.