Darlene M. Harkins

Darlene M. Harkins, 72, a resident of Fond du Lac, passed away March 26, 2014 at the Hospice Home of Hope, Fond du Lac, surrounded by her loving family.

Darlene was born May 15, 1941 in Fond du Lac a daughter of the late Henry and Delores (Raymond) Grisa.

On March 13, 1980 she married David B. Harkins in Fond du Lac, the love of her life.

Darlene was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs High School. She was offered an art scholarship to Cardinal Stritch University, but turned it down in order to marry her first husband (Wilfred Nieves) and start her family.

Darlene had the biggest love for living life to the fullest.  She was a business owner, artist, wife and mother, loving, devoted, patient, a true friend and role model.  She loved to vacation, travel, dance, sing, draw, paint, play pool, go gambling and cook.  She especially loved to have family time, which included celebrating every birthday, anniversary and holiday.  Her favorite Holiday was Christmas; she found more joy in shopping and finding everyone that special gift from her heart.  She prepared the most enjoyable food and wanted to make sure everyone ate.  She will be truly missed everyday of our lives and anyone else she touched.

Survivors include her loving husband David, one daughter Sheri (Joseph) Lefeber of Fond du Lac, two sons, Chris (Christine) Nieves of Waupaca, and Joshua (Nikki) Harkins of Adams-Friendship, eight grandchildren, Kassandra (Shad) Gregor and Tyler Lefeber, Daniel (Jenny) Nieves, Mitchell Nieves, and Cecelia Nieves, David, Bryce, and Joshua Harkins, two great-grandchildren, Kylie and Kole Gregor. She is further survived by a brother-in-law, Fred (Barb) Harkins, nieces, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a great-grandson, Gavin Gregor.

Visitation: Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 1, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday April 2, 2014 from 9:00 to 9:45 AM at the funeral home with services to follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Fond du Lac.

“The family extends their deep appreciation to the staff of Agnesian Hospice Hope Program for their caring support and loving environment.”

Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com