Darlene Jansen

Darlene M. Jansen. Age 90, passed away on December 14, 2020 after complications from Covid -19. She was born on September 29th, 1930, daughter of the late Leo and Mary (Zieman) Caron. She was married to Roger P. Jansen for 53 years before his passing in July, 2006.

Darlene had many interesting careers over her life, but her favorite was as a homemaker and mother.

In the 60’s and 70’s, Roger and Darlene owned and operated Jansen’s Beer and Liquor on Lincoln St. in Little Chute. Shortly after they sold that business, they started a small hardware store in downtown Kimberly, named Kimberly Hardware. That business grew over the years, adding an electrical division in early 1980, then a heating and cooling division in the late 80’s. Darlene retired from the hardware in 1992, and after a short period of rest and relaxation, decided to take a position at Appleton Medical Center (AMC) until her retirement in late 1999 to take care of Dad. She was adamant about not working for another century!  Mom continued to volunteer at the hospital for many years.

The woman could cook. Seriously. She could open a refrigerator, grab some leftovers, and turn it into a gourmet meal for all. Chicken and dressing in a Dutch oven are the stuff(ing) of legend. Her forte was baking. The house was always filled with delicious smells of pies and cakes and bread and cupcakes.    She was a talented seamstress, loved flowers, and was a passionate reader.

 All animals, large and small, were her passion. Her yard was always full of feeders and pans to feed nature’s creatures. In the winter, she would have wooden crates out against her home for those that needed shelter. Feral cats, raccoons, possums, rabbits and birds all found a free meal at Darlene’s place.

While she always had animals at heart and numerous pets over time, we have to mention “Buffy”. A little 10 lb. mixed mutt that stole Mom’s heart, and broke it when she passed.

She loved playing dominoes, especially at family gatherings. There was many a late night because she insisted you had to play all the numbers.

Sheepshead and other card games kept her involved on a regular basis. The Jansen family is forever indebted to those women who invited Mom into the Saturday afternoon card game ritual, and continued to support, and accept, when her mental state was deteriorating, but continued to work with her and made her feel loved on those Saturday afternoons. You know who you are. Thank You.

She was happiest when she was in the presence of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Darlene is survived by her children: Gary (Lauren) Jansen, Nancy (Dan) Bressers and Patty (Harlin) Brooks; grandchildren: Josh (Kelly), Ed (fiancé Sarah), Mike (Allie) and John (fiancé Anna) Jansen, Nick (Anna) Bressers, Emma (Alex) Bounmixay, David (Sam), Brent (Jennifer), Kevin and Nash Brooks; great grandchildren: William, Edward Jr., Henry, Chloe, Michael Jr., Charlotte, Austin, Eleanore, Mason, William and Zac; sisters-in-law: Betty Geiger, Doris Jansen, Elaine Jansen and Maggie Jansen; many other family members and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Jansen; parents, Leo and Mary Caron, mother and father in-law John and Anna Jansen, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19th, 2021 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute.  Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  For those who are unable to attend, it will be live streamed on the St. John website: www.stjn.org  Burial will be at Holy Name Cemetery at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

The Jansen family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Brewster Village and at Club Gabriel (St. Paul’s) for the loving care that was given to Mom.  There is also a special place in our hearts for Samantha and David Brooks, who allowed Mom into their home, and put her needs above all else.

In lieu of flowers, and given Mom’s great affection for all of God’s creatures, if you feel the need, please make a donation to the animal or rescue shelter of your choice.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.