Dar passed away the morning of Saturday, February 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 9,1940 to Harry and Evelyn (Golla) Bronk in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She was the oldest of five children. Dar performed in drum and bugle corps, loved dance, and even won a Duncan Yo-Yo contest. After graduation from Maria High School, Darlene moved to Milwaukee to work for Northwestern Mutual, later returning to Stevens Point to be a switchboard operator for Sentry Insurance. She then married her lifelong husband, Karl Blahnik on October 15, 1966. She left Sentry to devote herself to raising their three children and her true passion of being an amazing homemaker and dedicated wife. Darlene was the matriarch of her family and had a gift of creating unbreakable bonds which will forever be remembered as her legacy. Darlene loved to develop friendships with all generations at her and Karl's summer home at Little Silver Lake in Wild Rose. She volunteered for years at campground events and with the lake association in order to strengthen a sense of community among those that enjoyed that retreat. She loved music; especially Johnny Mathis and ABBA with her favorite song being "Dancing Queen," dancing, bowling with her husband, cooking and fishing. She was an avid sports enthusiast and took pride in her Packer memorabilia collection. She will always be remembered for her love of all holidays, especially Christmas. She looked forward to hosting annual Christmas gatherings for decades for her family and friends.

Darlene is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Karl Blahnik; their sons: Kevin (Jennifer) and Brian (Tracy) and daughter, Jennifer (Brian) Pelot; five grandchildren: Julia, Grace (fiancé Payton), Rachel, Riker and Grant; one great granddaughter, Eve and her cherished nieces and nephews. Dar is also survived by her four siblings: Sister Carolyn Bronk, Marilyn Jushka, Dwayne Bronk and Kim (Jose) Del Castillo. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Peter Jushka and many other loved ones.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the Outagamie County deputies and emergency responders as well as Theda Care Appleton staff for their kindness and care.

A Mass of Resurrection for Darlene will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday 23, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Rev. James Jugenheimer officiating. Visitation will begin Friday, directly at church from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass. She will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. A memorial fund is being established.

Everyday is a second chance