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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
5975 Lovers Lane
Portage, Michigan
Darlene Begeman Obituary
Darlene grew up in Gobles, Michigan, where she graduated from high school. It was there she met the love of her life, Duane Begeman, on a blind date in May 1962. The couple married on May 23, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Gobles. Just shy of celebrating 61 years of marriage, Darlene and Duane built a life full of love and devotion.
After Duane was drafted into the Army in March 1964, the couple relocated to Fort Hood, Texas, where their first son, Randy, was born. In 1973, they settled in Almena Township, Van Buren County, Michigan, where they welcomed two more sons, Brian and Craig. Darlene and Duane remained lifelong residents of Almena Township, living in the same cherished family home for over five decades.
Throughout her career, Darlene worked at Pemco Wheel and Allen Test Products in Kalamazoo. She deeply valued the time spent with family and friends. She found joy in watching hummingbirds, listening to Elvis Presley, and, most of all, supporting her grandchildren, whom she never missed a chance to cheer on. She was truly their biggest fan.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, William Earl Darling Sr. and Dorthy (Sparrow) Darling.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Duane Begeman;
Her children:
• Randy (Chris) Begeman, and grandchildren Megan (Matt) Miller, Greg (Alyssa) Begeman-who are expecting Darlene's first great-grandchild-Jacob Begeman, and Jessica (Hunter) Blake
• Brian (Luann) Begeman, and grandson Mitchell (Cass) Begeman, and Emma Begeman
• Craig (Jeanine) Begeman, and children Evan Begeman, Jay Begeman, and stepchildren Riley Patterson and Lukas Patterson
She is also survived by her siblings:
• William (Peggy) Darling Jr. of Federal Way, Washington
• June (Darling) Johnson of Battle Creek, Michigan
A memorial gathering to honor Darlene's life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced.
Memories and Condolences
for Darlene Begeman
Sponsored by Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society - Portage.
1 Entry
Linda Smith Pressler
June 10, 2025
Darlene and I often played at her grandparents house,when my family visited them, Herman and Ethel Sparrow.
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Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society - Portage5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002
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