Darlene Ann Gillett Obituary (1933 - 2023)

Darlene Ann Gillett, age 89, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mission, Texas. A memorial service will be May 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 77 2nd Ave S, Lester Prairie, MN with Rev. Joshua Arndt as officiant. Visitation is half hour prior to the service. Darlene was born in Lester Prairie, Minnesota on June 4, 1933, daughter of Albert and Anna Wolter. There she grew up on the family farm. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Lester Prairie High School. Darlene lived many years in Peoria, Illinois working in various real estate firms and brokerage banking. She enjoyed playing bridge, participating in a German choir, and attending Redeemer Lutheran Church. Darlene also spent some years living in Austin, Tx., but then moving back to Peoria. Later she moved to Mission, Texas, where she rekindled her love of dancing. Her days were filled with attending “music jams” where she enjoyed many polka dances and waltzes. Darlene was preceded in death by her brother Ralph Wolter, her first husband Alvin Groenke, her son-in-law Tom Klahm, her second husband Richard Gillett, and her parents Albert and Anna Wolter; Her sister-in-law, LaMoyne Wolter, passed away 4 days after Darlene’s passing. Darlene is survived by her brother Dennis Wolter; her 3 children: Scott Groenke of Peoria, Illinois, Stacy (Robert) Zimmerman Jr. of Bettendorf, Iowa, Bonnie (Bruce) Caldwell of Bedford, Texas. Grandchildren: Ben(Gina) Klahm of Hillsboro, Texas, Martin(Erin) Klahm of Ft. Worth, Texas; Robert (Christine) Zimmerman III of Trophy Club, Texas, Troy(Bridget) Zimmerman of Iowa City, Iowa, Abby (Drew) Wagenhoffer of Tiffin, Iowa; 13 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren, beloved great aunts, numerous cousins, relatives and friends. Click this link to view additional details about Darlene Ann's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/darlene-ann-gillett