Darlene Steger, 84, of Appleton died peacefully at Brewster Village nursing home on May 30, 2026. She was born on November 17, 1941, in Shiocton, daughter of the late Edward, Sr. and Beatrice Schultz. She married her first love Robert Grimmer in 1963 with whom she had two children, Michael and Julie. She then married the love of her life and late husband Joseph Steger, Jr., on May 2, 1980.

Darlene retired in 1995 with 29 years of service at Thrivent (formerly Aid Association for Lutherans). She held numerous clerical positions and was promoted to lead coordinator. She was a member of the Grand Chute Lions Club and an active board member of Altrusa, coordinating fund raising events. After retirement, she was a volunteer at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Appleton.

Darlene is survived by her children: Michael (Dawn) Grimmer of Appleton and Julie (Ron) Routhieaux of Greenville:, her stepchildren: Joette Steger of Cory, North Carolina and Bill Steger of Kaukauna; six grandchildren: Justin, Aimee (Chase), Emma, Dominick Green, Ashden, and Hayden. She is also survived by her siblings: Ralph (Nicole) Schultz of Appleton, Jerry (Barbara) Schultz of Summerfield, Florida; and her sister-in-law Genevieve Schultz of Winter Haven, Florida/Eau Claire; dear friends Barb Mauthe and Sonya Eick; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and close friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Edward, Sr. and Beatrice Schultz, ;  Her husband Joseph Steger, Jr. and his parents Joseph, Sr. and Anna Steger; first husband Robert Grimmer; siblings: Edward, Jr. and Shirley Schultz, Roger Schultz, brothers-in-law: Donald (Harriet) Steger, Robert Steger, Sr., and sisters-in-law Lorraine (Karl) Heilman, Betty Jane (Robert) Steger, Harriet (Donald) Hammen, Betty (Arthur) Deeg, Marian (Stanley) Lambie and Anna May Steger.

As a young lady, Darlene loved her time on the farm and dancing and cheerleading at school. She loved music and performed with her dad's polka band and her late brother Roger on his accordion. They won many talent shows and even had a record made called "Gettin' Even". Darlene and her family were members of Zion Lutheran Church, and she was a member of the Symphony Choir and served on many committees for the church. Darlene's hobbies included bowling, cooking, gift wrapping, decorating the house for all seasons, shopping, traveling with family, collecting birds, going to Packer games, charity groups, and going to casinos. She was a giving person with a big heart. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and truly enjoyed spending time with her family.

The memorial service for Darlene will be held at 1 P.M. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 N. Oneida Street, Appleton, with Reverend Vicar Chip Wood officiating. Darlene's showing will be Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Brettschneider Trettin- Nickel Funeral Chapel, 606 N. Oneida St., Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Zion Lutheran Church.

Special thanks to the staff at Brewster Village for all your love and compassion; and to the staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Appleton. Our family appreciates you.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal. Dar, may your journey into Heaven be as lucky as your jackpot slot wins you had on earth. May you find peace, joy, forgiveness and LOVE as you reunited with your loved ones.