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- Darlene "Dar" (Lawniczak) Verhaagh, 58, Howard, died peacefully with her family at her side Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, after a courageous journey with breast cancer. She was born June 5, 1953, in Mill Center to Aloyzy and Helen Lawniczak. She was a 1971 graduate of Bay Port High School and married Clyde T. Verhaagh in 1977.
Because of a love of her job, her co-workers and other colleagues at CESA 7, Darlene continued to work after her diagnosis in June of 2010. She retired in June, 2011, after 23 years. She managed family, home and work, always devoted to her family and putting the needs of others before her own. Darlene was happiest at home, not far from the phone, in case someone needed her. Over the years, Dar gave many perms and haircuts, enjoyed working in the yard and her flower gardens, and had quite a knack for resale and thrift shopping. She was content with her life and said there was nothing she would change if she could. She was a regular blood donor prior to her illness. Dar served as a Lector, Communion Minister and Bingo Helper at St. Patrick's on Friday nights for many years. She was currently a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Howard where she served as a Helping Hands Minister. Dar considered life a journey and those she met along the way were her friends and companions on that journey. She was someone who reached for your hand and touched your heart.
Survivors include her loving husband of 34 years, Clyde; her children, Jill Verhaagh (Mike VanBoxel), Jennifer Karchinski-Wojcik (Kevin Wojcik), Jed Verhaagh; a grandson, Ethan Verhaagh; her parents, Aloyzy and Helen Lawniczak, all of Green Bay; her siblings, Michael (Debbie) Lawniczak, Jeffrey (Connie) Lawniczak, Julie Pasterski (Eugene McInnis), Sherry (Gary) Van Helvoirt, all from the area; Lynn (James) Goetsch, Oakwood, Ohio; Clyde's family, Ray Verhaagh, Gerald (Mary) Verhaagh, Ronald (Karen) Verhaagh, Joan (Jack) Diederich, Barbara (Daniel) Calewarts, William (Connie) Verhaagh, all from the area; Joyce (Tom) McFadden, Baldwin, Wis.; along with nieces, nephews, very special cousins and friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her son-in-law, James Karchinski; brother-in-law, John Pasterski; and Clyde's parents, William and Henrietta Verhaagh.
Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday with Darlene's cousin, Fr. Patrick Gawrylewski O.F.M., presiding. Friends may also call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., Howard, from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday at the church with the Fr. John Bergstadt officiating. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
Darlene and her family would like to thank Dr. Kelly Lynch and her staff from The Bellin Cancer Team for their excellent care. Dar was overwhelmed by the care and compassion shown to her by the staff at Bellin Ultrasound, Radiology, Minilab and Fitness Center. The many phone calls, cards, special sentiments, meals and acts of kindness from family, friends and co-workers were greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.
A memorial fund has been established.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from December 8 to December 9, 2011
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1953 - 2011 (58 years)