Darlene R. Schmitz, age 65, died on Thursday, June 26, at her home in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 30, 2008 at the First Lutheran Church in Litchfield with Intern Pastor Christa Forsythe officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 29th at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Lake Ripley Cemetery.
Darlene Ruth Schmitz, the daughter of Andrew and Ruth (Ahlers) Bratts was born on June 24, 1943 in Minneapolis. She grew up in Alexandria and then moved to Sauk Centre. On October 25, 1961, she was united in marriage to LeRoy Schmitz in Alexandria. They made their home in the Willmar and Litchfield areas before moving into Litchfield. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Darlene enjoyed crocheting, flowers, baking, camping and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her children; Russell (and Darcy) Schmitz of Litchfield, Karen (and LeRoy) Cook of Litchfield, Brian (and special friend Deb Jensrud) of Litchfield and Connie (and Jeff) Oliver of Belgrade, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a brother; Ralph (and Lola) Bratts of Maynard. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LeRoy and a grandson.