Gaylord - Darlene Christina Lehmann, 85, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Smith Center, KS.
She was born June 18, 1932 in Minden, NE, the daughter of Emil L. and Pearl (Webster) Forslund.
On Nov. 6, 1948 she married Sylvester Deneke at St. John`s Church in Minden, NE. To this union two sons, Michael and Stephan and two daughters, Sharon and Joyce were born.
She was a loving and supportive wife and good mother, always active in her children`s lives. She enjoyed animals, nature, reading, and being around children--especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She worked most of her life. She spent many years in restaurant work. She also worked at Model Bakery in Beloit for many years. She then spent many years as a color corrector for Professional Photographers Color Corporation , Inc. in Beloit.
She was a long time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Sylvester died March 22, 1986.
Darlene married Loren Lehmann of Gaylord, Ks. April 21, 1990. They lived in Gaylord until her health necessitated she move into Smith Center Health and Rehab until her death.
Preceded in death by her parents, first husband Sylvester Deneke, a brother. Lee Forslund, a sister Shirley Olsen, a daughter, Joyce Standley, and a grandson, Brian Deneke.
Survivors include her husband Loren Lehmann of 27 years; a son Mike Deneke and wife Betty, and their son Jason Deneke and wife Heather, all of Amarillo, TX; a son Steve of Beloit, and his daughters, Jodi Davis and husband Seth of Wichita, and Kerrie Emerson and husband Kevin of Salina; a daughter Sharon Winkel and husband Larry of Topeka, and their son Brent Winkel and wife Whitney of Valparaiso, IN, and daughter Michel Bonham and husband Randy of Lawrence; a son-in-law Rodney Standley of Lenexa, and his son Shane Standley and wife Heather of Shawnee, and his daughter Stephanie Conklin and husband Brian of Olathe; thirteen great-grandchildren; two step-sons, Greg Lehmann and wife Katy and son Will all of Smith Center, Billy Lehmann of Gaylord; a stepdaughter Teresa Corwin and husband Ron and their daughter Maruyn all of Hutchinson and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Smith Center, KS, with Father David Micheal celebrant. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2017 with family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center. Burial will be in the St. Johns Catholic Cemetery, Beloit, KS. Memorials may be given to Hospice Services of Smith County and sent in care of the funeral chapel.