Obituary of Darlene Dawn Fanning
After fighting with dignity and grace, Darlene Dawn Fanning, age 79, lost an extremely courageous battle against cancer on Monday, August 14, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.
Darlene was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 18, 2017 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Martin Baur will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Friday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.
Darlene was born October 5, 1937, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to Earl and Thelma (Wagner) Hillmer. She married Pat A. Fanning on September 5, 1959, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He preceded her in death on February 14, 2007.
She worked in the office at Consolidated Papers for 8 years. After raising her children, she went on to earn her degree in accounting and worked for over 10 years in the accounting/auditing department of Great Northern Nekoosa/Georgia Pacific.
Dar and Pat enjoyed many years with their family at the cottage they built. Christmas holidays up north were especially beautiful. They also loved taking special trips to several European countries, Canada, and Alaska. Dar was an avid reader and loved to knit, making several keepsake heirlooms for her family and friends. She also enjoyed walking and spending time with her dog, Bella.
Darlene is survived by her three children: Michael (Lana) Fanning, Mary Beth (Dan) Derezinski, and Kathy (Dave) Klingforth, all of Wisconsin Rapids; sister: Judy (Dale) Eggebrecht of Wisconsin Rapids; four grandchildren: Jake (fiancé Miah) Spaulding, Sarah (Darien) Terry, Laura Klingforth, and Ben Klingforth; 4 step grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and two very special friends, Mary Kronberger and Bea Miller.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; parents, Earl and Thelma Hillmer; brother Robert Hillmer; sisters Joan Swetz and Donna Swetz; and brother-in-law Donald Swetz. Also preceding her in death are Pat's parents: Merrill and Laura Fanning, and sisters and brothers in law: Bette & Bill Bloedorn and Joyce & Wayne Triggs.
Darlene and her family would like to thank the Ministry/Ascension Hospice team for her care in her last weeks. We would also like to give a special thanks to the kind and compassionate team of caregivers that became a second family to us at the UW Cancer Center-Riverview. You are all very special people.
