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Darlene Zeise Obituary

Zeise, Darlene L.

Darlene Lois Zeise was born to eternal life in Christ on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in Fort Atkinson, Wis., surrounded by her children. She was born in Green Bay, on Nov. 1, 1930, the daughter of Henry and Adeline (Liebmann) Van Ess. She graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1948, and married her beloved "Dixie," Richard Zeise, on Aug. 4, 1951.

In her younger years, Darlene enjoyed singing in the Green Bay Girl Choir and dancing at the Riverside Ballroom and Bay Beach. She first worked as a carhop at Dehn's on Three Corners, and later became a trained practical nurse, working in obstetrics at both Bellin and St. Mary's Hospitals in Green Bay. After moving to Madison, she served as a nursing assistant at Mendota Mental Health Institute. Alongside her husband, she helped operate Dick's Appliance Repair in Madison and Whitewater for many years. Many will remember her as "Hot Rod"—the Fairhaven van driver in Whitewater—a job she enjoyed for over 25 years. After her retirement in 2001, she volunteered at Fairhaven, logging over 3,000 hours of service in various roles, including the mini-mart, driving and "Dining with Darlene."

At the time of her passing, Darlene served as facilitator of the Alzheimer's Support Group at Hearthstone, coordinator of the Whitewater Meals on Wheels program, and tireless poll worker. She proudly never missed an election, including the presidential election in November. Darlene previously served as president of the Fairhaven Auxiliary Board, member of the City of Whitewater Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, among many other civic and volunteer interests.

Darlene loved her hometown Green Bay Packers, collecting cardinals, and sending greeting cards to friends and family. Many will cherish the annual Fourth of July parties she hosted along the parade route in Whitewater. While she lived there for 40 years, Green Bay was always her home. A visit was not complete without a burger with "everything on" and a bowl of chili from Kroll's.

Along with a strong will and a kind heart, Darlene possessed an unshakable faith in God. If anyone needed prayer, she was faithful to intercede. She was generous with her time, talents and resources, and always put others' needs before her own. Her warmth and kindness drew a wide circle of friends. She withstood life's challenges with resiliency and grace, and was a selfless and compassionate mother, grandmother, sister, neighbor and friend to all.

Darlene is survived by five children, Cheri (Dennis) Schmidt, Madison; Cathy (Denny) Steele, Milton; Curt (Janet) Zeise, Beaver Dam; Craig Zeise, and Beth (Mike) Mader, Green Bay; 14 grandchildren, Heather, Andrew (Lisa), Nicholas (Sarah), and Michael Schmidt, Courtney, Hayley, Jarrod and Krista Steele, Carissa (Donald) Pottner, Zachary and Vanessa Zeise, Brooke, Lauren and Luke Mader; and five great-grandchildren, Corey Quaschnik, Jesse, Kai and Carson Steele, and Lily Schmidt. She is further survived by two brothers, Carmon (Mary) Van Ess and Larry (Jane) Van Ess, both of Green Bay; a sister-in-law, Grace (Reginald) Bayard, Green Bay, and brothers-in-law, Roger Zeise, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and James (Beatrice) Zeise, Harshaw, Wis.; as well as countless other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her in-laws, Clarence and Gertrude (Van Beek) Zeise; a brother, Vernon Van Ess; sisters and brothers-in-law, Estelle (Leo) Zeutzius, Betty (Kenneth) Wendlendt, Mary (Ray) Burkard, Robert (Carol) Zeise, Donald (Joan) Zeise, Clarence Zeise Jr., Raymond Zeise and Thomas Zeise; dear friend, Marion Frey; and a very special "grand dog," Molly, who was her faithful companion for the past 12 years.

Special thanks to the Good Samaritans who came to her aid and to the Whitewater Police, Fire & Rescue, and the ER and ICU staffs at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at CrossPointe Community Church in Whitewater, with Rev. Donald Stein officiating followed by a visitation and celebration of her life from 3 to7 p.m. A visitation will take place at Blaney Funeral Home in Green Bay, on Friday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Interment at Fort Howard Mausoleum in Green Bay.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice is appreciated.

Thank you, Mom, for your servant's heart and unconditional love. We are forever indebted to you and can only hope to live up to the example you set. You are irreplaceable and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette on Dec. 5, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Beth and family, Words just dont seem to be enough right now as I know you are all hurting so much. I am so sorry that Auntie Dar is in heaven now as I really wanted the opportunity to get to know this lovely lady that my husband and sisters remember as such a wonderful warm person in their lives. The first thing Tim said that he was glad that his Mom had her best friend so close now. Our hearts ache for you and wish we were closer to give you warm hugs. Auntie Dar will be missed ! Love to you, Tim & Laurie Zeise

December 7, 2012

What a special lady and mom she must have been! Beth, we are heartbroken to hear of your loss. We wish we were closer so that we could come over and give you the hugs that you need right now. Always remember that I love you like a mom and, although I could never fill your mom's shoes, I am and always will be here for you.
Love, Jeanne and Jim Dempsey

Jeanne and Jim Dempsey

December 6, 2012

Beth,
Your love and admiration for your mom is surely evident in your beautiful tribute to her through your gift for writing. Through you and that love, she lives on. May God bless you, Craig, and your whole family with His grace and peace.

Ann Washington

December 5, 2012

So sorry Beth for you and your family. You mother sounded like a wonderful person.

David Garot

December 5, 2012

What a beautiful and touching tribute to a sweet lady. Hugs, thoughts and prayers to her family..

Joan Anderson

December 5, 2012

Beautiful obituary; what a celebrated and purpose-filled life Darlene lived, and what a legacy she leaves behind. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Kate Burie

December 5, 2012

Darlene will always be remembered in my heart. The love she showed to everyone will never be forgotten. Darlene, we will miss you, but I'm jealous that you are rejoicing with the angels, but that day will come. Heart felt condolences go out to the family.

Darlene Jung

December 5, 2012

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Darlene Zeise to forever hold in your hearts. With heartfelt condolences, The Tim Callahan Family

Mary Ann Callahan

December 5, 2012

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Blaney Funeral Home - Green Bay

1521 Shawano Ave., Green Bay, WI 54303

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