Darlene Alice Elizabeth Wendelschafer, 88

Darlene Alice Elizabeth Wendelschafer, age 88 of Cannon Falls and formerly of Waterville, passed away on Thursday morning, May 28, 2020 at Norris Square Care Center in Cottage Grove, where she has been residing since February.

Darlene was born on July 25, 1931 in Washington Township in Le Sueur County, the daughter of Arthur W. and Alice E. (Hager) Wendelschafer. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1949 and went on to Le Center Teachers Training in 1950. She graduated from Mankato State University with degrees in Elementary Education, Social Studies, and Science.

Darlene was a teacher in elementary education for 43 years. She taught 5th grade students at the Cannon Falls Elementary School for 37 of those years and loved her students which she called her children. She retired in June of 1993.

Darlene enjoyed the outdoors and her rustic home “in the woods” (which she built herself). She traveled throughout the world and enjoyed morel mushroom hunting and antiquing. In later years, when she became physically challenged, she belonged to Our Lady’s Rosary Makers and enjoyed sitting at her kitchen table making rosaries. She made hundreds of rosaries for friends, their relatives and family.

She will be remembered for her eclectic style, creativity and great love of children, family, and was blessed with many special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alice; brothers, Gordon and Charles; and sister-in-law, Janelle.

She is survived and loved by her sister, Mayonne (Bob) Benson of Woodbury; nieces and nephews, Betty Ann (Chuck) Jacobsen, Chad (Beth) Wendelschafer, Curtis (Tammy) Wendelschafer, Craig (Mary) Wendelschafer, Carrie Jo Wendelschafer, Chris (Cyndy) Benson, Stephanie (Greg) Hinrichs, Jennifer (George) Achterling, and Bob Jr. (Katie) Benson; grand nieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews; and many good friends, neighbors and former students.

She will be greatly missed by all and will leave a big void in our lives. We are thankful that her pain and suffering has ended, and she now lives in peace with our Lord and with her loved ones.

Darlene was buried with the rosary which was a gift from her teacher, Catherine Hammond, upon graduation from Le Center Teachers Training.

A private family graveside service was held at Calvary Cemetery, Waterville, with Father Michael Ince officiating.

Arrangements by Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls.