Darlene Ruth Slagle was born on December 28, 1948, in Wausau, Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Loretta (Hintz) Seehafer. Darlene graduated from Wausau East High in 1967. She met her life-long love, Carl, at the age of fifteen after spotting him strolling downtown Wausau and following him back to his apartment. Since that first meeting, Carl and Darlene were inseparable. Darlene longingly waited for Carl to return from military service before joining him in marriage soon after Valentine's Day in 1968. Two daughters – the result of their love story – followed shortly after. Darlene devoted her years to her home, husband, and children before entering the retail work world. With Carl's support, she operated "Once and Again Consignments" in Birnamwood, Wisconsin for over 24 years. Darlene loved the consignment world, working closely with her vendors and enjoying those who frequented the shop. She considered them all her friends and took immense joy in the conversations she had with each. Darlene enjoyed decorating, thrifting, and crafting, but her Savior Jesus was nearest to her heart. Like Carl, she too loved her God and family fiercely.
Darlene is survived by their daughters, Tammy (Jeremy) Strassburger and Tina (Mario) Meverden; their grandchildren, Jacob (Taneal) Strassburger, Tiffany (Larry) Daffinson, Zachary (Jessica) Strassburger, Sawyer Meverden, Hudson (Kristi) Meverden, and Lincoln (Anna) Meverden; their great-grandchildren, Noelle Strassburger, Elora Strassburger, Loretta Strassburger, Porter Daffinson, Clara Daffinson, Oliver Daffinson, Ivory Strassburger, Luke Strassburger, Laine Meverden, and Maisie Meverden; brothers and sisters, Shirley Erickson, Helen Dezotell, Gary (Sandy) Slagle, Mary Literski, Doris Springer, and John Seehafer; sister-in-law, Molly Seehafer; and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Gerald Seehafer and James Seehafer; brothers-in-law, George Literski and Rick Springer; and sister-in-law Elaine Seehafer.
