Darlene E LaBrec, age 89 of Menomonie, formerly of Arkansaw, died Sunday, January 11, 2026 at her home in Menomonie.

Darlene was born at the home of her parents, Wm and Edith (King) Cataract on April 12, 1936 in the Town of Frankfort, rural Pepin County. She attended Oak Center, a one room school, and graduated from Arkansaw High School. After graduation, she worked at Fanny Farmer Candy Store in Eau Claire until she married her high school sweetheart, Lyle LaBrec, on December 30, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw. After marriage, they always lived in the Arkansaw community. Darlene worked at Northern Wisconsin Manufacturing for 15 years, then worked as a CNA in Red Wing, MN for 20 years.

Darlene loved horseback riding and most animals. She also enjoyed doing word finds, going on trips with her friend Joyce Borman and going up north to the cabin with family. Most of all she loved her family.

Darlene is survived by her children, Bobby (Gregg) Bechel of Menomonie and Daniel (Sandy) of Plum City, son-in-law, Lenis “Lenny” Hince of Pepin, grandchildren, Ron (Kelly), Teresa, Bridget (Adam), Spencer (Jessica), Tina (Katie), Lucas and Jolene (Cole), great grandchildren, Abby, Andrew, Dawson, Carson, Conner, Harper, Rory and Mila, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lyle, her daughters, Judy Schlosser and JoAnn Hince, a brother in infancy and her close friend, Joyce Borman.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00PM-7:00PM Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. A private family burial will be held later.

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

Condolences

1. Char Larrabee January 14, 2026, at 9:11am

   Prayers for the family, keep the memories close.

2. Diane Westphal January 13, 2026, at 8:01pm

   Aunt Darlene you will be missed.

3. Steve & Deb Ottman January 13, 2026, at 6:32pm

   Dan, Sandy and family,
   Thinking of you as you celebrate a beautiful life. She will live on in your hearts. We are so sorry for your loss.

4. Vicci Hutter Rosenberg January 13, 2026, at 5:33pm

   So sorry to see that Darlene passed. She was a fine lady!!

5. Darlene Britton January 13, 2026, at 3:38pm

   So many good memories. Moved to our apartments 10 years ago, also her close friend Joyce, thru the years we became very good friends. Loved them both, now they can be reunited together. Condolences to all. God bless.( These special ladies are missed).

6. Jim & Diane Jennings January 13, 2026, at 2:28pm

   Our sincere condolences to you Dan and Sandy.

7. Joanne Hovey January 13, 2026, at 12:19pm

   Sympathy to family and friends.

8. Kathy Hutter Messier January 13, 2026, at 12:08pm

   Condolences and Prayers for Darlene's family. She was an awesome lady. So glad I had the opportunity to visit with her just before Christmas. RIP

9. Rick Plumer January 13, 2026, at 10:15am

   Sorry for your loss Dan and family.

10. Marcella Biles January 13, 2026, at 9:34am

    Sorry to here of her passing.We sure had a great time on friday. We sat and talked for a long time about friends and family. Will miss going for coffee with her

11. Barbara January 13, 2026, at 8:59am

    So try for your loss. I carpooled with Darlene to Eau Claire. At Fabriteck. Loved her giggle. Was smiling all the time. Will miss her.

12. Julie Oberhart January 12, 2026, at 11:19pm

    My deepest sympathy to the whole family, Darlene was a beautiful person and her laugh was contagious. You have lots of wonderful memories with think of them often. Hugs to all

13. Patti Blount January 12, 2026, at 10:57pm

    I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Darlene. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

14. Kathryn Lee January 12, 2026, at 7:56pm

    My sympathy

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