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Darlene Joyce Krantz-Mendler
1939 - 2021
BORN
1939
DIED
2021
Darlene Krantz-Mendler Obituary
Darlene Joyce Krantz-Mendler
MISSOULA ~ Darlene Joyce Krantz-Mendler, 82, of Missoula, passed away Monday, November 15, 2021 at BeeHive Homes of Missoula after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was attended by family.
She was born April 5, 1939 at home in St. Ignatius, Montana to Frank and Barbara (Jakes) Krantz. She was number 7 of 14 children. She attended and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1957. She then attended St. Patrick School of Nursing in Missoula and received her Registered Nurse diploma in 1960. In 1961, she moved to Portland, Oregon where she worked in a doctor's office.
She met "Jack" Robert Jackson Reddick, and they married in 1964. The newlyweds moved to southern California where she worked in a hospital and later a doctor's office. In 1968 they moved to Stockton, California, where Darlene worked as a surgical nurse until 1994.
Her husband Jack died in 1982 in a drowning accident while they were on vacation. Darlene married Gerald "Jerry" Hopper in 1986. He then passed away in 1987. Darlene then met and married Thomas C. Mendler in 1988 while still living in Stockton, California.
In 1994 they moved to Montana and built a new home in Missoula. She was glad to once again live close to her family. While in Missoula, Darlene worked at Rocky Mountain Eye Surgery for 10 years, retiring in 2005. Her nursing career would span 45 years.
Tom and Darlene enjoyed winters in Laughlin, Nevada for several years where they enjoyed travel and casino entertainment. Tom then passed away due to a stroke on December 7, 2013. Darlene had no children, but enjoyed her extended family, which included 32 nieces and nephews who loved her and were always glad to visit with her.
Darlene is survived by 3 brothers, Richard O. Krantz (Joan) and Dennis W. Krantz (Melvina), both of St. Ignatius, Robert R. Krantz (Alberta) of Johnstown, Colorado and 2 sisters, Judith Mae Stahl of Gresham, Oregon and Nancy L. Rider (Bob) of Ronan, Montana; 31 surviving nieces and nephews along with numerous great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Elizabeth "Betty" Rogers and Peggy Delaurenti and six brothers; Jessie Krantz, Russell D. Krantz, Thomas A. Krantz, Ronald J. Krantz, John F. Krantz, Edward G. Krantz and 1 niece, Barbara Marie Francetich.
Darlene truly enjoyed family functions, playing Pinochle, Bunco, Canasta, slot machines and visiting friends. Her greatest companion in later years was her prized Schnauzer, "Mylie" who gave her much enjoyment. Darlene was famous for her annual cookie bakes and holiday party. After retirement, she volunteered at St. Patrick's Hospital where she started her nursing career. Her Celebration of Life service will be held at the Nazarene Church in Missoula, Montana on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Krantz Memorial Cemetery or to the local Alzheimer's Association.
Special recognition to Russ and Barb Francetich for the loving care provided to Darlene in the later years of her life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darlene Krantz-Mendler
3 Entries
Julia Krantz
November 20, 2021
I can,t make for the services will miss a great sister -in law.Faye
Ann M Smith
November 18, 2021
I will miss this lovely lady. We had so much fun, laughing while playing Bunco and Canasta. She was a wonderful hostess, thoughtful and kind. Gone but not forgotten. Your friend, Ann
Ann Smith
November 18, 2021
I will miss this lovely lady. We had so much fun, laughing while playing Bunco and Canasta. She was a great hostess, thoughtful and kind.
Gone but not forgotten. Your friend, Ann
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