Herald Journal Publishing

Publisher of Herald Journal, Dassel-Cokato Enterprise Dispatch, Delano Herald Journal, McLeod County Chronicle, Arlington Enterprise, & West Carver News

Darlene D. Latzig Obituary – 4/12/2021


Darlene Delores Latzig peacefully fell asleep at her home in New Germany, to go to her eternal home April 12, 2021.

Darlene (Stender) Latzig was born Nov. 2, 1942 in Carver County. She was the first child of Wilford and Angeline (Knacke) Stender.

She was baptized by Rev. Kramer Nov. 4, 1942. She was confirmed her faith March 25, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church, in Young America, by Rev. Raedeke. Her confirmation verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Darlene’s faith kept her strong till her end, with no fear, knowing she would have eternal life.

Darlene graduated from Central High School in 1960. She was united in marriage to Lowell Latzig April 30, 1960, at St. John Lutheran Church, in Young America, by Rev. Melchert. They were blessed with 60 years together.

They were blessed and also suffered heartache with their children. Their son, Dean, was with them for 50 years, Deanna was stillborn, and Jodie who continues to give them joy.

Darlene served for 31 years as a Home Interior distributor. She loved to go into people’s homes and give them ideas about how to decorate. She received several awards for her hard work.

When Darlene wasn’t busy selling Home Interior, you would find her outside planting and caring for her garden. When the garden was ready, you would find her canning produce to give to her children and grandchildren. She was generous, and enjoyed sharing her extras with anyone who stopped by.

Darlene had a green thumb. Pansies and a variety of mums were her favorite flower planted outside, along with the beautiful planters she and Goodie would bring back each year, when they would visit the Amish. In her home you will find many Christmas cactuses in various colors.

Darlene was an exceptional cook. She loved to entertain and feed people. Many times, if they had received fresh liver, she would invite people over for liver and onions. Her rice pudding and her homemade dinner buns were the hit at any party, and were always requested. She loved to entertain for Christmas, birthdays, or just to get together.

Darlene loved to travel. She and Goodie took many trips and cruises together. Many times they would include Dean, Jodie, and other relations to join them on their adventures.

Her grandchildren Ashley Dobratz and Todd Dolezal and Chad and his wife Natasha Dobratz were a joy in her life. She delighted in them coming around. She treated each of them very specially, and filled them with her love.

In June 2020, she became a great-grandma. She adored and cherished her great-granddaughter, Wilhelmina, who brought a twinkle to her eye and a smile to her face every time she saw her, and got to cuddle her.

Darlene was preceded in death by stillborn daughter Deanna; son Dean (Chipper); parents Wilford and Angeline Stender; father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Margaret Latzig; step mother-in-law Selma Latzig; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Martha (Hilbert) Ziermann, Elmer Latzig, Roy (Ellen) Latzig, Hildegarde (Leland) Schwartz, Harold Latzig, Marcella (Orlando) Gebhardt; step sisters-in-law Selma Drew, and Norma Klaustermeir.

Darlene is survived by her loving family: husband Lowell (Goodie); daughter and son-in-law Jodie and Robert Dobratz of New Germany; grandchildren Ashley Dobratz and Todd Dolezal of Hutchinson, and Chad and Natasha Dobratz of Norwood Young America; great-granddaughter Wilhelmina Dolezal of Hutchinson; sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Jerry Lhotka of Norwood Young America; brother and sister-in-law Virgil and Phylis Stender of Norwood Young America; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Leona Latzig of Waconia, Marie Latzig of Lester Prairie, Martin and Ruth Ann Latzig of Howard Lake, Roland (Lefty) and Carol Latzig of Norwood Young America; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

A funeral service took place Friday, April 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 211 Adams Street in New Germany with Rev. Allen Holthus officiating. Visitation took place Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment took place at St. Mark Lutheran Cemetery.

Casket bearers were: Dale Roepke, Steve Lhotka, Pat Lhotka, Derek Stender, Jon Narr, and Karla Stokee.

Honorary casket bearers were Ashley Dobratz, Chad Dobratz, and Wilhelmina Dolezal.

The family was assisted by Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.