Darlene Ferne Strukel

Darlene Ferne Branda was born August 19, 1938 at Luray, Kansas to Richard and Ella Branda. She was born and raised on the Kansas prairie in a three-room house, that didn't have electricity or running water at the time. Darlene learned to play the piano and became an accomplished pianist. She learned to sew and became a seamstress who designed, then sewed her wedding dress and groomsmen's tuxedos. Darlene was also very talented at cooking and won several 4-H purple ribbons.
She attended Luray High School, graduated with the class of 1956, and then attended the Brown Mackie School of Business later that same year.
After graduating from Brown Mackie School of Business, Darlene became a Federal Employee on May 17, 1957 and worked at the Veterans Administration in Topeka, Kansas. She started her career as a secretary and worked her way up to Chief Purchasing Officer, which was a huge achievement over her 30-year career. Darlene contracted anything that was needed for the hospitals; from medical supplies to earth moving equipment and building of the actual facilities.
She married Billy Gene Parmenter on May 3, 1959. Their twin sons, Robert M. and Wesley A. Parmenter, were born on February 15, 1960. Since Bill was in the Air Force and his job required continual travel, Darlene spent a lot of time raising Mitch and Wes. Billy Parmenter died on September 6, 1979.
On July 23, 1983, Darlene married William W. Strukel. Darlene moved to the Veterans Administration in Fresno, California and worked there until she retired on September 3, 1993.
Once she retired in 1993, she moved to Arizona and lived in San Tan Valley for the remainder of her years. William Strukel died on December 4, 2018.
Darlene's favorite time of year was football season. Her two favorite teams were the Arizona Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. She had a special fondness for Arizona quarterback, Kurt Warner, and followed him long after his career ended. Her son, Mitch, considered himself as a football orphan.
Throughout her life, Darlene had a deep love for cats and other animals. She adopted stray cats, nurturing them with the best of care and her love. Darlene was a very compassionate person who helped countless others. She donated money to many different charities for children, adults and critters. Darlene was loved by her family, friends, and many others whose lives she touched during her time on earth.
Darlene passed at age 86 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, son and two husbands. Darlene is survived by her son, Robert Mitchell Parmenter, sister Connie Callow (Larry, her partner),
daughter Janice Parmenter and son Eric Strukel. Grandchildren Zachary Parmenter, Brittany Parmenter, Courtney Palmgren (RJ her husband), Ashley Parmenter, Sabine Strukel, Sophia Strukel and one great grandchild, Luka Palmgren.
Darlene was a remarkable woman and a true pioneer. Her strength, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
There will be a graveside service held at the Lucas Cemetery on April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Per Darlene's insistence, she requested that everyone attending the service have a nice meal from her afterwards. The luncheon will be held at Martinelli's Little Italy in Salina, Kansas at 1:00 p.m.
The address is:
Martinelli's Little Italy
158 S Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS 67401
Phone: (785) 826-9190
Website: https://www.martinellisonline.com
The family has set up a ZOOM link for anyone who would like an alternative place to view the service.
Connie Callow is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Darlene Strukel Celebration Of Life
Time: Apr 5, 2025 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84367813333?pwd=07R2Hos3g5svNxjw2OKvW6Fxc9dq4b.1
Meeting ID: 843 6781 3333
Passcode: 423469
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