Darlene K. Witkowski

Darlene Kay Witkowski, age 79, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Markesan Resident Home, Markesan, WI.

Darlene was born on July 2, 1945 in Ripon, daughter of Arthur and Helen (Pollack) Steifner. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1963. On August 12, 1972 she married Florian “Andy” Witkowski at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon. She worked all her life as a secretary for the Athletic Department at UW Oshkosh. She was dedicated and took pride in her work all those years there. Family was most important to Darlene, and she cherished yearly trips to the cottage on Fox Lake, where they would fish and spend quality time away. They also took many family coach trips sight-seeing around the U.S. She loved family meals and get-togethers; her pies and cookies were the best and enjoyed by all. Darlene walked daily, and would often put in 10 miles a day. In her free time she liked doing yard-work, including mowing, raking, shoveling; she enjoyed bird watching; appreciated all flowers; and always rooted for the Packers and Brewers.

Darlene is survived by her siblings, Donna (Michael) Levenhagen, Dennis (Denise) Steifner, and Diane Schmid; a nephew, Jeff Levenhagen; sister-in-law, Jackie Steifner; many cousins; and many other special relatives that were dear to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Helen Steifner; loving husband, Florian “Andy” Witkowski; a brother, David Steifner; brother-in-law, Duane Schmid; and numerous in-laws.

Visitation for Darlene will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 9:30 am until 11:00 am at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W Fond du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Darlene will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Darlene’s name may be directed to the church, 401 W Fond du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971, or to Wisconsin Parkinson Association, 13400 Bishops Lane, Suite 120, Brookfield, WI 53005.

Darlene’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the administration and staff of Markesan Resident Home for their wonderful care and support over the last three years.