Ms. Darlene Monahan went to be with her Lord on Friday afternoon, December 23, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. She passed away at her home in the Town of Fredonia, while surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 83.

Darlene was born in West Bend on August 11, 1939, daughter of Anthony and Evelyn Ollinger Berend. She grew up in Waubeka and attended local schools, graduating from Port Washington High School, Class of 1957. She was united in marriage with Robert Monahan in 1959, and the couple was blessed with six children. He preceded her in death in 2004.

Ms. Monahan had been employed on the paint line at Simplicity in Port Washington, retiring after almost 20 years on the job.

Darlene was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards with friends – especially sheepshead. She enjoyed scrapbooking, making cards and family calendars. Darlene liked cooking and loved to bake Christmas cookies every year. She shared them with everyone and always made sure that the fire department, bank tellers and mailman got a few dozen.

After finding her soulmate, Dan Goelzer, Darlene began camping. The couple had a seasonal site at Badger Campground and loved to spend time there. They also went family camping every summer for a week, and Darlene cherished the time with her children and grandchildren.

She was a friend to everyone and taught her children the important lesson of "How To Be A Good Friend".

In 2017, Darlene and Dan moved into the house they spent almost two years building. Darlene loved to come home to her "happy place with the cozy fireplace" in the Town of Fredonia.

Those left to cherish her memory include Dan Goelzer of the Town of Fredonia, her children Deborah (Bruce) Paape of Fredonia, Timothy (Michelle) Monahan of Hartford, Kelly (Scott) Fechter of Random Lake, Tom (Jenny) Monahan of Port Washington, Todd (Merri Jo) Monahan of Beechwood, and daughter-of the-heart Christy (Dan) Rabitoy of Spring Valley. She is further survived by 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, sister Marlene Hunter of Evanston, IL, sister-in-law Theresa (the late Bob) Berend of Newburg, other family and friends. Darlene is preceded in death by her daughter Shana, and brothers Bill, Bob, and Howard Berend.

At her request, no formal services will be held; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .

The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.