Darlene Gertrude Mertens, 74, Chilton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Caring Hands Assisted Living in New Holstein. Darlene was born on May 6, 1948, to Norman & Loyola (Casper) Mertens on the family farm near Marytown. She attended Marytown grade school and graduated from New Holstein High School in 1966. Darl proudly worked at Tecumseh Products for 40 years. She took her work very seriously & was proud of her work ethic. She also loved helping out at 7 Angels Restaurant in Chilton for many years. Those who knew Darlene knew that she was always willing to share her opinion on various topics. She had a deep love for her family and friends and was always willing to help out.

 She is survived by her siblings: Dyanne (Sham) Crowley, Kenneth (Sandra) Mertens, Joan (David) Nickel and Nicholas (Jane) Mertens; Nieces & Nephews: Tammy Marx (special friend, Dan), Bryan (Tracy) Crowley, Jody (Bob) Heus, Stacey Mertens, Scott (Michelle) Nickel, Devin (Mario) Martin, Cory (Vanessa) Nickel, Ashley (Adam) Puetz and Casey (Shane) Suttner, and many great- nieces & nephews. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents: Norman & Loyola; her nephew Jamie Mertens and special friend, Linda Gruett.

 A Service for Darlene will be held at 5 PM, on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may visit the family on Monday from 3 – 5 PM. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Chilton alongside Linda.

 Special thanks to all the workers at Caring Hands for their wonderful care and friendship shown to Darlene and her family. They would also like to thank Calumet County Homecare and Hospice for their loving care.