Darlene Yolitz

Darlene Ann (Kromrei) Yolitz, 90, of Wausau, WI passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center-Weston under the care of Compassus Hospice Care.

Darlene was born May 27, 1934, in Wausau, WI to the late Theodore and Margaret (Damrow) Kromrei. Darlene graduated from Wausau High in 1952 and worked part-time while in high school at Kresge's. After she graduated she worked at the telephone company.

She was united in marriage to the late David O. Yolitz at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau on September 10, 1955, whom she met at church at Luther League. She took time off to raise their 3 children and then returned to work. Places of employment included Murray's Machinery in the data processing department and Marathon Electric as a timekeeper. For 59 years, Darlene lived in the same house that she and Dave bought in Rothschild, WI, and then moved to Forest Park Village in Wausau.

Darlene and Dave enjoyed many travels throughout the country and made it to all 50 states. Dancing to polkas and waltzes was one of their favorite things to do. If there was one of those songs playing at an event, you'd find them on the dance floor. Upon retirement, they were active members of the American Legion Auxilary.

Church was a part of who Darlene was. She was an active member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Rothschild and again when she returned to St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau. She was a member of the ladies' circles at both churches and taught Sunday School at St. Stephen before she moved to Rothschild. The world is filled with hundreds of quilts she made at church. Darlene never gave herself credit for how beautiful they were. She spent countless hours at home cutting and sewing, carefully measuring and designing these quilts.

One of Darlene's favorite things was to have people over to visit. Countless meals were prepared by her, her baked goods were legendary, and she always made sure there was plenty of food so there were leftovers. Many family members came to visit her in her final days. This made her very happy.

Darlene is survived by her 3 children: Keith (Lisa) Yolitz of Stevens Point, Kevin (Patti) Yolitz of Wausau, and Shelley (Steve) Benusa of Onalaska, 3 grandchildren: Nathan (Megan) Yolitz, Amy (Tyler) Beranek, and Tsion Benusa, 5 great-grandchildren: Addison Yolitz, Lakelyn Yolitz, Wesley Yolitz, Rory Beranek, and Lyndy Beranek, her sister Lorraine (Frankie) Krenz and brother Donald (Karen) Kromrei, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Yolitz, and sister, Sharon (Harold) Dabler.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday February 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen Lutheran Church (512 Mcclellan St, Wausau, WI 54403). Pastor Karoline Schwantes will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday February 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the hour of service at the church. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Marshfield Clinic in Weston for the care they provided her, especially nurses Dana and Robin as well as Rennes Health & Rehab Center and the staff at Compassus Hospice Care. They all tended to her needs to keep her comfortable.