Darlene Kathryn Wieseler

HARTINGTON — Darlene Kathryn Wieseler, 91, Hartington, died Nov. 18, 2018, at the Hartington Care and Rehabilitation Center, Hartington.

Visitation and a Vigil Service were Friday and continued Saturday at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 24 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with Rev. Owen Korte officiating.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington.

Pallbearers were Bret Kathol, Tyler Kathol, Reid Kathol, Dana King, Brianna Wieseler, Ryan Wieseler and Max Wieseler. Honorary pallbearers were Eric Fernley, Eva Fernley, Ross Fernley, Lauren Burke, Jared Fernley, Elissa Carpenski, Nathan Wieseler, Danielle Aman and all of her great-grandchildren.

The Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, assisted with the arrangements.

Darlene was born Dec. 19, 1926, at Wynot, to Jake and Theresa (Hesse) Backman. At the age of two, she and her family moved to Hartington, into the home just built by her father. At age 6, her mother died March 11, 1933. Then, Darlene’s aunt, Josephine Backman, came to help take care of the family. Two years later, her father died, April 19, 1935. Darlene and her aunt continued to live in Hartington. Darlene graduated from Holy Trinity High School as Valedictorian in 1944. She continued her schooling at Omaha School of Commerce. Thereafter, she returned to Hartington to accept a position as Clerk of Cedar County Court. Several years later, she took an office position for the Farmers Home Administration, Hartington. On June 15, 1948, Darlene married Cletus Wieseler at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington. To this union, two daughters and four sons were born. They continued to live in Hartington for 15 years, while Cletus farmed near St. Helena, as well as on their farm west of Hartington. After Darlene’s aunt passed away, the family moved to the farm west of Hartington and Darlene worked for the Neu Cheese Company and Mid America Dairymen in Hartington for 23 years. In 1990, Cletus retired from farming and they moved back into Hartington. Darlene retired from her employment in 1993.

Darlene was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, all of her life. She had a Perpetual Hour of Adoration for over 40 years. She also was sacristan for the parish for many years. She was a member and former President of the Holy Trinity Guild as well as an over 50-year member of the Catholic Daughters and the Christian Mothers. She was a former Trustee and parish council member of the parish. She was a former Brownie Scout leader and a 4-H leader. She also played with the Hartington band in high school.

Darlene is survived by her children and their spouses, Scott Wieseler, Ponca; Mary and Ron Fernley, Seattle, Wash.; Jane and Randy Kathol, Hartington; Jon and Kim Wieseler, North Platte; Todd and Ilana Wieseler, Nederland, Colo.; and Jay and Alison Wieseler, Las Vegas, Nev.; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cletus, Jan. 30, 2007; and her brother, Denis, in 1977.