Darlene Aisenbrey, 94
Darlene Eunice Aisenbrey, long-time resident of Menno, S.D., passed away on Jan. 15, 2024, at the age of 94. Darlene was born on July 4, 1929, in Menno to Albert and Eunice (Huppert) Wagner. She was baptized into the Christian faith March 1, 1931, by Reverend J.C. Hildebrand at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno, and was confirmed on June 13, 1943, by Reverend R.R. Schulz.
After graduating from Menno Public School on May 12, 1947, Darlene attended Mitchell Business College. Darlene married the love of her life, Ellis Aisenbrey, on June 12, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church by the Reverend Hans Wiedermann. Darlene joined Grace Lutheran Church serving as a Sunday school teacher. Her beautiful voice was shared for many years, both in the church choir and performing solos for services, weddings, and funerals. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, she also sang in the Auxiliary sextet.
Together Darlene and Ellis had three daughters: Tamara Marquart, Rochester, Minn.; Stacey (Craig) Hall, Salem, Mo.; and Kiya Kelly, Mammoth, Wyo. Darlene had seven grandchildren: Meredith Marquart, William Marquart, Dr. Allison Hall, Nicole Hall, Jori Kelly, Jordan Kelly and Colton Kelly; and one great-grandchild, Karson Bridger. Darlene also leaves behind her brother Steven Wagner, sisters Bonita Sopoci, Kathy (Larry) Mettler, and sister-in-law, Judy Wagner, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Darlene began working at the Hutchinson County Courthouse in 1948 and continued there until the arrival of her first daughter in 1959. Darlene’s pride and joy was to keep her house spotless and look after her girls. She helped Ellis with bookkeeping for the funeral home and worked along his side at the grocery store. After Ellis’ death in 1977, she continued operating Aisenbrey Grocery until 1979. Mom stepped up to become the owner/operator of Aisenbrey Funeral Home with the help of friends and family, especially Laddie Kostel, who later purchased the business in 1990. She continued to work with Laddie as they continued serving the community for many years.
She enjoyed spending time visiting and going out to eat with her lifelong friends, watching TV, crafting, and spending time with her family. In 2021, she moved to Rochester, where she resided with her daughter Tamara.
Darlene joined her husband, Ellis, in Heaven, along with her parents Albert and Eunice Wagner; brothers Albert Jr. and William; brother-in-law James Sopoci, parents-in-law Reinhold and Bertha Aisenbrey, sisters-in-law Dorothy (Fred) Harnisch, and Marion (LeJune) Wildermuth; sons-in-law David Marquart, and James Kelly; and grandson, Jori Kelly.
A service is planned for June 8, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church in Menno, and burial beside Ellis in Menno Cemetery.
