Darlene C. Kaltz

Darlene C. Kaltz, age 79, a resident of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Shelby Township, Michigan.

Darlene was born on July 17, 1946, in Highland Park, Michigan, to the late Albert and Geralda (née Campbell) Kaltz. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl (Jerry) Logghe.

She is survived by her siblings: Pat (Jim) Ternes, Larry (Colleen) Kaltz, Karen (Mark) Pauwels, and Mike (Kathy Kiesling) Kaltz, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Darlene graduated from St. Lawrence Catholic High School in Utica, Michigan, in 1964. Shortly after graduation, she began working at National Machine Products in Utica. Determined to further her education, she attended night classes at Macomb Community College, where she earned a degree in Accounting.

Her professional career was marked by ambition, leadership, and a passion for excellence. She worked as a cost accountant at KDI Bauer Corporation and married Richard S. Ryniak in 1969; the marriage later ended in divorce in 1981. After a brief period with International Screw Company, Darlene began a long and distinguished career at Stanley Black & Decker in 1974. Over the years, she held numerous positions, including Vice President Controller, Finance Manager, and Plant Manager. Her career afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively around the world, including a long-term assignment in Taiwan.

Following her retirement, Darlene continued to share her expertise as an independent business consultant. She was also a proud investor and partner in Richmond Forest Golf Course.

Darlene had a deep love for travel and treasured the many journeys she took with longtime friends. She maintained close connections with friends who had moved out of state and, even when travel became more difficult, she nurtured those friendships with daily phone calls and unwavering devotion.

A woman of conviction, Darlene worked tirelessly to bring about positive change and to plant seeds for the future. She actively supported political candidates and causes she believed in, often serving as a record keeper and treasurer, putting her strong organizational skills to work. She was a longtime member of the National Organization for Women (NOW), served on the board of Green Michigan, and was an Adult Advisor for a nonpartisan Congressional Student Summit.

After moving into her new home at American House Lakeshore, Darlene was invited to serve as a Resident Ambassador, helping others adjust to their new way of life. She embraced this role wholeheartedly and quickly made the community her own. She enjoyed crafting, painting, participating in book club, and joining the trivia group-where she proudly earned the title of "Trivia Queen." Wherever she went, Darlene had a gift for making friends.

Though Darlene had no children of her own, she lovingly adopted and embraced all of her nieces, nephews, and their children, sharing in as many family celebrations as possible. She will be remembered as a devoted sister, a loving aunt and great-aunt, and a dearest friend to many.

Darlene's life was defined by curiosity, compassion, leadership, and connection. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Darlene's life with a visitation and service on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica from 3-8pm with a funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11am.