Darlene Loetz, 76

Darlene Dianne Loetz, age 76, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday morning, April 26, 2022 at her home following a hard fought seven-year battle with cancer.
She was born July 7, 1945 in Coldwater, daughter of the late Marlin and Flossie (Smith) Gottschalk.
Darlene resided in Sturgis since 1963 coming from Coldwater where she was a graduate of Coldwater High School with the class of 1963.
On September 7, 1963 she married Fred Nelson Loetz in Sturgis. He preceded her in death September 29, 2017.
Darlene retired from Sturgis Public Schools following 34 years of dedicated employment as a Paraprofessional. Most of those years were spent at Congress Elementary School.
She was a member of the Community Bible Church in Sturgis.
Darlene was a longtime member of her card club and she enjoyed crocheting, knitting and reading her Bible. Darlene had an appreciation for the outdoors especially when she was hunting and fishing with Fred.
She is survived by her daughter: Tammie (Eric) Thurston of Sturgis; son: Todd Loetz of Sturgis; grandchildren: Michael Pridgeon, Ashlee Hambright and Brittney Loetz; great grandchildren: Emily, Myrcedes, MaKenna, Jacob “LeRoy” and Payton; sister: Shila (John) Potts of Angola; brother: Jerry (Linda) Gottschalk of Florida and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother: Darryl D. Gottschalk; sister: Marilyn & Joe Otis and nephews: Michael Otis and Darryl D. Gottschalk, Jr. and niece: Kelly Gottschalk.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, May 20th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Memorial services celebrating the life of Darlene D. Loetz will be held at 12:00 P.M. Saturday, May 21st at the Community Bible Church in Sturgis. Pastor Steve Wisler will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Darlene’s memory consider the Community Bible Church, 223 N. Maple St., Sturgis, MI 49091, Three Rivers Health Hospice, 711 S. Health Parkway, Three Rivers, MI 49091 or Congress Elementary School, 421 E. Congress St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.