Darlene was born on August 5, 1952 in Plum City. She was the daughter of Eldon and Marjorie (Bauer) Bechel. Darlene grew up at a young age in Salt Lake City, Utah and moved back to Durand with her Mom and siblings. Darlene graduated from Durand High School in 1970. After high school, Darlene began her career at Pepin County Government Center. Darlene married Stephen A Brunner on October 14, 1972 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Together they made their home in the Durand area where they raised their family. Darlene retired in 2015 as Personnel Director as one of the longest tenured employees at Pepin County Government Center.
Darlene enjoyed spending time outdoors in her flower garden, taking trips with Steve and their groups of friends, shopping, going out to eat, playing bingo and going to the casino with her sisters. Most of all Darlene had a love for her family, from remembering everyone’s birthday to getting together with family and friends.
Darlene is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steve, children, Angie (Todd) Bryan, Jeremy (Melissa), both of Durand and Jenny (Denny) Richardson of Arkansaw, six grandchildren, Hayley (Zach), Drew (Savannah), Tegan (Chris), Canyon, Lincoln (Elle) and Olivia, stepfather, Ken (Ilene) Weisenbeck of Durand, siblings, Midge (Terry) Hartung, LaDonna (Doug) Holmberg, Brad (Angie) Bechel, Annette (Dar) DeLong, Ron (Julie) Bechel, Ken Weisenbeck Jr and Tammy (Dale) Sinz, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her mom, Marjorie Weisenbeck and dad, Eldon Bechel.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00PM-7:00PM Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.