Darlene Zettler, 85 of Devils Lake, passed away on Friday, March 21, while under respite care at her home in the loving care of her Family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Darlene Ellen (Brininger) Zettler was born April 20, 1939, in Devils Lake to Florence (Doyle) and Earl Brininger. She was raised on a farm near Woodlake. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, Woodlake #2, before attending St. Mary’s Academy Devils Lake.
She married the love of her life, Richard, on April 3, 1957, at St. Michael Catholic Church. They shared great partners in everything until his death in January 1991. They were parents of eight children. Darlene and her husband were great examples and teachers to their children. She instilled faith, love for family, and service to others. She was a devoted mother to all her children but particularly to her daughter, Linda. She provided care even after being in a wheelchair herself.
Darlene worked at Mercy Hospital until the birth of her first child. She was active in The Friends of the Handicapped and ARC. She had her own home daycare for many years. She and Richard owned Princess Cab until his death. She continued to dispatch and substitute drive after her son took it over. Darlene and Richard were foster parents, Easter Seals and respite care providers, with the majority of the children having special needs. She was a proud member of St. Joseph Prayer Tree since its beginning.
Darlene treasured having family around from her children down to her great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader, wrote poems and books, painted, refurbished memorial flowers, and many more crafts.
She is survived by her children, Terrance Zettler, Marie Bryant, Bonita (David) Hoffart, Linda Zettler, Wanda Zettler, and Angela McEwan. Grandchildren: Brandy (Jason Filosena) Mannie, Tara (Matt) Moen, Eric (Dani) Zettler, Samanatha (Daniel) Frederick, Donnie (Adina) Bryant, Stephanie Bryant, Andrew (Brandi Johnson) Bryant, Jessica (Ryan) Mayfield, Sheila Pearson. and 23 great-grandchildren. Sister-in-laws Janice Keller and Phylis Eback, Jeannie Brininger, and Karen Brininger.
Preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents Florence and Earl Brininger, and in-laws Ben and Myrtle Zettler. Children Ricky and Lisa Zettler. Son-in-law Quinton McEwan, brothers Lester and Wayne Brininger, sister-in-laws; Janice Brininger and Doris Hoffart. Brother-in-laws Leo Hoffart, Floyd Keller, and Tony Eback.
There was visitation at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 with a rosary and scripture service. The Mass of Christian Burial was on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery following the Mass. A time of fellowship followed in the Parish Center.
