Darlene Bielinski

Darlene J. Bielinski, nee Fitzgerald of West Bend died on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at The Waterford of West Bend at the age of 84 years. She was born June 21, 1940 in Milwaukee to the late Walter and Ruth (nee Riesterer) Fitzgerald.
On July 11, 1959, she was united in marriage to Ralph Bielinski at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.
Darlene has accomplished many positive things with her life. In addition to being a loving wife and devoted partner to Ralph, her husband of 65 years, she was a devoted and caring parent to her children, Daniel and Monica. Outside of the home, she was a hair stylist in Shorewood when she and Ralph were first married. Then, she cared for and raised her family, always keeping God in mind as she did so.
After the kids were gone, she was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend. Later on, she became involved in city politics as a Trustee on the Berlin Library Board of Directors. Throughout her life, Darlene always volunteered for grade and high school activities, including sewing flags for the band, church activities including teaching Sunday School and baking cakes for various activities, and working at the library. Essentially, wherever there was a need for a volunteer, Darlene was there.
However, she found her real calling as a Pre-School Teacher while living in South Milwaukee. Darlene gained the reputation of being an outstanding teacher and caregiver. She loved the kids and, in turn, the kids loved her. Her collection of notes of appreciation, wall plaques and other gifts from parents who were grateful for the positive effect she had on the hearts and minds of their children is a testament to Darlene's dedication in the classroom and beyond.
Darlene was a special person. Well done Darlene!
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. until a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend.
At Darlene's request, memorials to The Fisher House in Milwaukee, the Washington County Humane Society or the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are appreciated.
Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.