Darlene J. Klopfer Obituary

Mukwonago, WI – Darlene Joann Klopfer, 74, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2022, from Alzheimer's Disease. Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lived in Mukwonago since 1976. She was a member of Saint James Catholic Church. Darlene is survived by her husband of 55 years, Wayne Klopfer; her daughters, Karin (Jeff) Pace, Kristen (Nathan) Belan, Laurie (Allan) Bigelow; and her grandchildren Christian, Sarah, Elizabeth, Connor, Liam, Anna, James, John, William, AJ, Noah, and Maddilynne. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Evelyn Dallmann (Locander); and her brothers, Larry and Royal "Roy" Dallmann.

Much of Darlene's childhood was spent in New Berlin where she had fond memories of spending time at their family-owned greenhouse business. She resided in New Berlin until middle school where she then moved with her family to South Milwaukee and met her lifelong best friend, Linda Godec. She graduated from South Milwaukee High School and married shortly thereafter. Wayne and Darlene spent the first few years of their marriage in West Allis and Waukesha. Darlene worked as a receptionist for Louis Allis Specialty Motors & Generators in Milwaukee before they had children. She then devoted her time at home to raising their three daughters. During that time, she also served on the Ladies Auxiliary for the Big Bend Vernon Volunteer Fire Department and as an instructional aide for the Mukwonago Area School District.

When the time was right, Darlene returned to work as a receptionist at RSV Engineering in Mukwonago until she retired. She truly enjoyed her coworkers and loved sharing stories about them long after her time there. Darlene spent the early part of her retirement successfully running an online business, buying and selling antique items. She and Wayne spent a lot of quality time together attending auctions and estate sales searching for those items. Her passion for antiques was acquired from her parents.

Darlene will be remembered for always putting others needs before her own. She had a sweet smile and was such a joy to be around. Even while her disease progressed, she held on to the traits we all loved so much including her social graces, humbleness, kindness, patience, gentleness, and most of all, her sense of humor. She had a true love for all animals and spending time outside. Darlene was a very warm and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Darlene and her family received so much support over the years from family, friends, and the Purple Canoe Club of Milwaukee. They will be forever grateful for that. Wayne and the entire family would also like to give a special heartfelt thanks to and the many caregivers at Waterford Memory Care and hospice providers for the wonderful care that Darlene received.

A private celebration of life will be held for immediate family members. The family has requested that those interested, consider making a tribute donation to the Alzheimer's Association to continue their important work in providing Alzheimer's care and support and accelerating research.