Darlene M. Sobottka, age 84 of Eau Galle, died Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire, with her family by her side after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Darlene was born on May 4, 1933 in Arkansaw. She was the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth (Fedie) Bauer. Darlene grew up in Eau Galle, attended St. Henry’s Elementary School and graduated from Durand High School. After high school, Darlene was a bookkeeper for the Studebaker dealership in Durand. Darlene married Fred Sobottka on February 16, 1954 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle. After marriage, they raised their family in Eau Galle. They purchased the Lakeside Resort in Eau Galle which Darlene ran for many years. Darlene and Fred then purchased the grocery store in Eau Galle and named it Sobottka Grocery, which Darlene ran. As her children got older and purchased local businesses in the area, Darlene stayed busy working with them.

Darlene enjoyed and was well known for her rug making, she started making them in 1960 and continued making them until she was unable to about six months ago. She also enjoyed taking fishing, traveling, knitting, crocheting, going to casinos and playing cards. Darlene also liked baking, watching her soap operas on TV and caring for her rose bushes. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Darlene is survived by Fred “Fritz” (Sandy) Sobottka of Hudson, Joan (Ivan) Cuppett of Addison, PA, Robert “Ponch” (Georgene) Sobottka of Eau Galle, Mike (Laurie) Sobottka of Cannon Falls, MN, Jill (Charles) Halfen of Eau Galle and Pat Sobottka of Menomonie, son-in-law; Don Rix of Altoona, 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Fred, one daughter; Jean Rix and two sisters; Dorothy McClellan and Marie Bauer.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Nancy Meyer-Helfrich January 21, 2018, at 12:13pm

   So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Darlene is now resting in peace in heaven.

2. Rosemary Wolf Bauer January 16, 2018, at 11:26am

   So sorry to read of your loss. Darlene was an incredible rug maker and I am fortunate to have several that she made for my mom, Dee Wolf, years ago. All of you will be in my prayers as you adjust to life without her physical presence.

3. Thom Rutherford January 16, 2018, at 10:05am

   Family: Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom!! Darlene, Fred, and the entire family have been friends for MANY years!!! She was a great lady, close friend to many, and Most of all, wonderful Mom! You ALL are in our thoughts and prayers. Thom and the Rutherford Family.

4. Jim & Barb Henry January 16, 2018, at 6:28am

   Sending our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Sobottka family during this difficult time. May the many fond memories you hold, help you thru these difficult times and ease your pain.

5. Sally wolfe January 15, 2018, at 7:42am

   Sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I know there is a big hole in your heart for I just lost my mom in Nov. May peace be with her now.

6. Beverly Poeschel January 14, 2018, at 6:18pm

   Darlene was a classmate and a friend....my condolences to the families..

7. Donna Karshbaum January 14, 2018, at 5:10pm

   God Bless your Whole Family, You All have our Deepest Sympathy! Prayers and HUGS to You All !!!!!!!wepu

8. Gordon & LaVina Gifford January 14, 2018, at 2:54pm

   Jill, sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our prayers go out to you.

9. Ellen and Gene Kirchner January 14, 2018, at 9:22am

   So sorry to hear. Darlene was such a fun loving and gracious lady. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time.

10. Rose Mueller January 13, 2018, at 11:15pm

    Ponch and family. Very sorry for your loss. Chuck and Rose Mueller

11. Dawn (Wittig) Grassfield January 13, 2018, at 4:26pm

    Darlene was such a super lady with a great heart. I'm so glad I had the chance to know her and visit with her one last time last spring. She will be missed! Peace to the whole family.

12. Tina Welch-Keeley January 13, 2018, at 10:17am

    I'm so sorry for your lost. So was a wonderful person. Prayers and thoughts are will you all.

13. Geraldine Brady January 13, 2018, at 7:44am

    Prayers for the Sobottka family for the loss of their wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother. etc. Rest in Peace Darlene.

14. Dennis & Mary Ellen Brunner January 13, 2018, at 1:45am

    Prayers being said for your family.

15. Michael Markey January 12, 2018, at 7:36pm

    Sorry about your loss I went through this my mother died in April

16. Jane Nelson January 12, 2018, at 6:44pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always carry fond memories of her in my heart! Thank you for sharing her with me!

17. Gary Pfeiffer January 12, 2018, at 5:55pm

    So very sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to your family.

18. Patrick Brantner January 12, 2018, at 5:42pm

    sorry for your great loss and prayer going your way..

19. Richard and Donna Karshbaum January 12, 2018, at 4:56pm

    God Bless to all of You all, our Prayers are with You!

20. Paula Smith January 12, 2018, at 4:17pm

    to the Ponch and family so sorry for your loss ill keep you all in my prayers

    
    Paula Smith

21. Joe and Jan Drier January 12, 2018, at 3:18pm

    So sorry to hear this! She was a great lady, always smiling. Our Deepest Sympathy to you all!

22. Carol hunter January 12, 2018, at 2:19pm

    So sorry for your loss, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

23. Sarah Baier Poeschel January 12, 2018, at 11:48am

    So sorry to hear her passing. She was an wonderful lady and I always enjoyed talking with her when I saw her around. Thinking of all of you!!

24. John and Judy Parr January 12, 2018, at 11:21am

    You all have our thoughts and hugs. Take care

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