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Darlene Ann (Wagner) VanZuilen, age 89, of Lake Templene, Sturgis, passed peacefully at Masonville Place in Coldwater on Thursday, January 5, 2023. She was born in Illinois on June 8, 1933 to Blanche (Rank) Wagner and William Wagner. She lived much of her childhood in Fulton County, Indiana.
After graduating from high school and receiving the DAR Award, Darlene attended Purdue University, the only sibling in her family to graduate from college. While there, she met her one and only, the man who became her husband, Donald Henry VanZuilen. She adored his easy kindness, sense of humor, and his lovely tenor singing voice. He treasured her playfulness, quick wit, and her enthusiasm. Darlene earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 1955, and worked as a dietician and house supervisor at Wesleyan Foundation near Purdue campus during Don’s final year of college. They were wed on June 18, 1955.
The VanZuilen’s moved to northeast Indiana when Don got his first teaching job and started a family. Darlene was a stay-at-home mom until two of their 3 children were in school. During that time, she earned an elementary teaching degree and taught at Lima-Brighton Elementary School in Howe, IN for several years. Eventually, in the early ‘70s, the family built a home in St. Joseph County, Michigan. Darlene did some substitute teaching, while Don taught at Glen Oaks Community College. She eventually earned a Masters in Library Science from Grand Valley State. She enjoyed her tenure as librarian at Mendon Township Library before moving to a position at the former Howe Military Academy as Media Center Librarian. While she loved that job and the relationships she built with students, Darlene retired from Howe Military to become full-time caretaker to her husband who had become disabled by Parkinson’s Disease. Don preceded her in death on October 10, 2010.
Darlene, along with her husband, was actively involved in the Sturgis Grange and St. Joseph County Fair. She held different leadership positions while in the Grange as secretary and lecturer. Darlene always took great pride and enjoyment when setting up the Grange booth displays during Fair Week. She modestly supported Don when he was Fair Board President for many years. She took an engaged role in the Michigan Association of Retired School Teachers, and served as an officer. She donated her time and resources during retirement to the American Red Cross Blood Drive, School for the Deaf, and American Library Association. Darlene lived a life of service and volunteerism. She was committed to helping others. She drove people to medical appointments, wrote cheery letters to friends and family, made bags for the homeless, and delivered dictionaries and books to area schools. The many certificates of appreciation found in her home speak volumes of her charity and energetic work to better her community. Darlene was also a spirited member of the Centreville United Methodist Church and especially relished opportunities to give to the needy.
While Don gardened and tended to an orchard, Darlene enjoyed picking and sharing fruits and vegetables with others, canning and cooking with fresh produce. They worked side-by-side raising their family completing chores and business. Their partnership endured over 55 years. Darlene could often be heard singing – especially silly songs – she sang in the car, in the kitchen, in the yard, and taught her children how to sing in harmony. Darlene and Don were the “Family Von Zuilen” on road trips! She was a voracious reader, and often shared favorite books and interesting articles by reading out loud to the family after dinner. Darlene was quick-witted and loved word games, puns, and jokes. She was resourceful, humble, frugal, and self-effacing.
Surviving Darlene are her three children Kevin (Cathy) VanZuilen, Ft. Wayne, Kathy Bahr, Angola, and David (Pamela) VanZuilen and her two grandsons Alex VanZuilen, Angola, and Mitchell (Caitlin) VanZuilen, Sommerville, MA, and sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Leland DePue, Goshen. She leaves many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family on both sides of the family.
In addition to her husband Donald, she was preceded in death by her mother Blanche and her father Frank Wagner, sisters Mabel Richter, Gladys Reinhold, Pearl Miller, and Evelyn Williams, and brothers Frank Jr., and Richard.
The children and family of Darlene VanZuilen extend enduring gratitude to the staff at Masonville Place in Coldwater, who have been her day-to-day family since 2015. Their tireless dedication allowed Darlene to feel loved and safe as her health declined slowly over a long period of time. She enjoyed many friendships, fun activities including her favorites BINGO and sing-alongs, and much peace throughout her residence there.
Darlene’s family also acknowledges with appreciation and great respect the work of the Coldwater Promedica Hospice staff of doctors, nurses, bath aides, social workers, and clergy who have not only supported Darlene through her decline since 2020, but also offered resources and support to the family throughout the many ups and downs. Their calling has been a comfort.
Viewing will be held Friday from 5 to 8PM at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. A memorial service is planned for 11AM Saturday at Centreville United Methodist Church with Pastor Joyce Vanderlip and Chaplain David Holt officiating. Interment will follow in Nottawa Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Please visit Darlene’s memorial page to sign her guest book and leave a memory for her family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
