Darlene J. Graap, 75, formerly of the Town of Harding, Lincoln County, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston.
Darlene was born on Sept. 8, 1946, in Wausau, daughter of the late Martin and Edna (Goetsch) Mootz. She graduated from Wausau West High School in 1964. Darlene married Donald Graap Sr. on Feb. 19, 1966; he preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 2020.
Darlene worked for Wire Products for 27 years. She also spent 11 years at Lincoln Wood, and worked in the Weinbrenner Outlet Store for a few years. Darlene enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed hunting, fishing up north at the lake, gardening and flower gardening, and painting ceramics. Darlene received lots of joy from all of the pets she cared for throughout her lifetime.
Darlene is survived by her daughter, Jeanne (Randy) Schmidt of Gleason; sons, Jeffrey (Michelle) Graap and Donny (Bonny) Graap, Jr. both of Merrill; grandchildren, Emily (Jordan) Baumann, Joshua Schmidt, Derek Graap, Dustin (Brittany) Graap, Dylan (Rhyle) Graap, Brittany Graap (Chris Chiapuzio), and Jacob Graap; great-grandchildren, Everett Baumann, Kylee Graap, and Emery Jo Graap; and stepsisters, Mrs. Audrey Ziegel of Wausau, and Mrs. Beatrice (Frank) Nerad of Menomonie Falls. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Graap Sr.; parents, Martin and Edna Mootz; stepmother, Clara Dahm; sisters, Diana (Norbert) Merklein and Phyllis Mootz; brothers, Clifford (Virginia) Mootz, and James “Jim” Mootz.
A private family service and burial will take place at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery, village of Maine.
Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.