Darlene June Klukas, age 86, of Black River Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday
February 6, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, after suffering a fall and other heath
issues. She was born November 15, 1937, to Ben and Edna Oberst in Beloit. Darlene
graduated from Clinton Sr High in Clinton, Class of 1955. She married Harlan E. Klukas
on August 8, 1959, at the Clinton Baptist Church in Clinton, WI. After graduating,
Darlene worked at Warner Brake for 10 years. She was also a full-time mother of 4, a
babysitter for a few years in the Clinton area, followed by 22 years at Beloit Hospital
Cafeteria Department. Harland and Darlene moved to Black River Falls, Wisconsin in
2005, after retirement. Darlene was a member of the Shopiere Congregational Church
for many years and especially liked supporting the Sunday School Program.
Darlene loved any and all activities that were family oriented. In the spring, she enjoyed
watching her children catch fish during the white bass run at her parent’s cabin on the
Wolf River in Freemont, WI. She did not have much time to fish, as she was kept busy
cleaning the fish her children caught. She also enjoyed camping, the annual deer hunting
season in Gordon, with her husband and children. Although she could care less about
harvesting a whitetail deer, she would still venture out into the Northwoods with her
thermos of coffee, guidepost booklet, to sit in the woods with nature with her rifle leaning
against a tree when the deer did show up. She would just watch them while admiring the
outdoors. She enjoyed baking, collecting salt and pepper shakers, and doing needlepoint.
She is survived by her son, Jeff Klukas of Black River Falls; her daughter, Cindy
(Gerald) Cribben of Janesville; her grandchildren, Heather (Robby) Hurst of Janesville,
Angie (Steve) Tomasovic of Kaukauna, & Jessica (Ryan) Ledger of Janesville; great-
grandchildren Hudson, Payton, and Ava; sister, Dolores (Donald) Wolslair of Shopiere;
and many other beloved family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 59 years, son Gregory
Klukas; daughter Carmin Klukas; and great-granddaughter Aislynn.
Darlene was a loving wife and mother, whose devotion and commitment to her family
was unmatched. Her faith in God made her the rock of her family and gave her family
strength during the trials of life. Her unselfish loving ways, kindness, and loving spirit
attracted many friends along her lifes journey. Any that met Darlene would be
mesmerized by her caring ways. She will be sadly and deeply missed by her family and
all who had the pleasure and opportunity to know her.
Darlene’s Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the
SHOPIERE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 5328 East Church Street, Shopiere, WI.
Family will greet friends on Saturday at Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Burial will follow the service at Milton Lawns Cemetery, Janesville. Fond memories and
expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.
Darlene June Klukas
