Darlene Kay Perkins

Darlene Perkins went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2015. She was born on April 28, 1941 in Richland Center the daughter of Ralph and Helen (McNelly) Shireman. She is survived by her loving husband Bruce, her high school sweetheart, whom she married on June 13, 1959 in Viola, WI. They remained in love for 56 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and was adored by each and every one of them. Darlene possessed a great love for her family and her home. She welcomed family, friends and neighbors into their home, where she always had a wonderful meal prepared. She enjoyed entertaining and expressed her love through food and her warm, welcoming, fun loving spirit. She was a fantastic homemaker, cook and baker and was known for always having something yummy baked to share with whoever happened to stop by. She always put others before herself and had a compassionate ear. These qualities served her well as an EMT and emergency room nurse in Portege, WI and as an LPN at the Beloit Family Health Associates Clinic, where she was beloved by patients and staff alike. Darlene and her family spent their early married years in Richland Center from 1963 to 1968, moved to Portage, WI in 1968, and then to Janesville, WI in 1988. Darlene spent her time caring selflessly for her family. She was an active and avid supporter of her children’s activities in school and sports and especially loved watching her sons play football, never missing a game. Her home was a lively and active spot where her children’s friends and the neighborhood kids enjoyed gathering, many of whom continued to stop by over the years with families of their own. Darlene had many talents and interests including: gardening, cooking, canning, baking, antiques and growing beautiful flower beds. She loved the Packers! She had a great love for farm life and the years she spent on the family farm, which she and Bruce purchased in 1999, and which she enjoyed sharing with her children and grandchildren. The joy of her retirement years was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Throughout her years in Portage and later years in Janesville, WI, with Bruce, she continued to cherish her home and the comfort it brought to them, and to others. She was a woman of strong moral character which was evident by the way she treated others, lived her life and by how much others loved and admired her. She will be deeply missed by her husband, family, friends and the many people whose lives she enriched. Now, she peacefully rests in the arms of the Lord. Survivors include her husband, Bruce Perkins of Janesville, WI; mother, Helen Shireman of Richland Center; 4 children, Jody (Jennifer) Perkins of Plano, TX; Robyn (Gerald) Perkins of Montello, WI, Jaimie (Andrea) Perkins of Gilbert, AZ, Joshua (Jeni) Perkins of Baraboo, WI; 10 grandchildren, Abbie and Hayden Perkins both of Plano, Texas, Brandon (Lacey) Ryan of Endeavor, WI, Brock (Kristin) Ryan of Bangor, WI, Hannah (Matt) Saviano of Columbus, WI, Kaylee, Caleb, and Karli Perkins all of Scottsdale, AZ, Cole and Jaylie Perkins both of Baraboo; 4 great grandchildren, Olivia, Jackson, Xander, and Julian; a brother, Bill (Judy) Shireman of Richland Center, WI; 2 sisters, Cindy (Leo) Kraft of Solen, N.D., Kristi (Joe) Durst of Sextonville, WI; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Shireman. A Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Viola, WI. Visitation will be held at Noon until the time of service at 1:00 PM. Should family and friends desire, memorials may be made to the Viola United Methodist Church. A Special Thank You to Clary Memorial Funeral Home for assisting the family.

Darlene Kay Perkins

April 28, 1941 - December 18, 2015