Obituary of Darla LaVonne Baerenwald

Darla LaVonne Baerenwald, age 78, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A celebration of Darla’s life will take place from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Herman Taylor Funeral Home. Darla was born in New London, Wisconsin and grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of Pella. She attended Marion High School, and up until a few years ago, enjoyed going to the high school reunions with her sister Debbie. Darla was a Tom Boy; she never liked wearing a dress, much to her Mother Maggie’s chagrin, but when she did dress up she was a beautiful sight. Her reasoning was that she was the oldest and was expected to work on the farm like a man, and just got used to wearing jeans. Darla married LeRoy Baerenwald, and had 3 children Terry, Kim, and Gale. They raised their family in West Allis, Wisconsin and eventually moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1972. Darla and LeRoy divorced in 1975. She met Gary Fulk who would become her lifelong companion. Darla and Gary moved to Louisiana in 1982, and returned to Wisconsin in 1987. They bought a small piece of property in Nekoosa. There was a devastating fire in 2003 and almost everything they owned was destroyed. Mom worked hard her entire life, lived simply, never really traveled much, but seemed content with her life in general. She was looking forward to taking a trip out West with Kim and Steve this Fall. She enjoyed collecting vintage glassware, old books, old anything, and going to flea markets. Darla was a very creative person and enjoyed making beautiful floral arrangements and other crafty items. She loved nature and animals, and probably fed all the stray cats in the county. She enjoyed her last job working at Bridgewood Assisted Living Center as a caregiver helping people to regain their independence prior to her retirement. She met Linda Knuth while working at Bridgewood, and they became good friends. Darla is survived by daughters: Terry Young (Franklin, WI), Kim (Steve) Vanderhoef (Nekoosa, WI); son Gale Baerenwald (Medway, OH); grandchildren: Jamie, Rachel, Michelle, Shannon and Shane; great-grandchildren: Mya and Bryson; sisters: Debra Nienke, Sandra (Ron) Klitz, and sister-in-law Beverly Krueger; nieces and nephews: Tina, Elizabeth, Christine, Travis and Megan; great nieces: Katie, Chloe, Taylor, Gracie, Sophie, Mackenna, Samantha; great nephew Robbie. Darla is proceeded in death by her parents Raymond and Margaret Krueger, brothers Jim and Robert, and significant other Gary Fulk. Thank you on behalf of Darla’s family to those of you who came today to join us in celebrating her life. Special thanks to those who traveled some distance to be here. We appreciate your love, prayers and support during this difficult time.