Darlene A. Sukowski

Darlene A. Sukowski of the Town of Cedarburg went home to her heavenly home in the early afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. She was 79 years old.

Darlene was born in Port Washington, Wis., the daughter of Edward and Leona “Onie” (nee Schlegel) Ott.

She married Michael Sukowski of Milwaukee on May 3, 1969, at St Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton. They were married for 53 years before Michael’s passing in 2022.

Darlene was a proud third-generation, lifelong member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she was baptaized and confirmed. She was a member of the Altar Guild, Women’s Guild and quilting and crafting groups.

She graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1965 before graduating from beautician school.

As a young girl, she enjoyed helping her parents with their catering business. She served food at countless parties and weddings, many with family ties to this day. This is where she found one of her true loves, baking. She made thousands of cakes, even into her mid-70s, for her great-great-niece and great-great-nephew.

Darlene loved working with people, which was demonstrated through her numerous jobs. They span from being a beautician, handling ticket sales at the outdoor theatre, manager at A&W restaurant and shipping toys at M.W. Kasch to her last and perhaps most satisfying position as a new resident greeter (making everyone feel special) at Newcastle Place.

Until her last few years, she lived on the farm, where she was the fourth generation on the Schlegel family homestead. Her last wish was that the family homestead remains an active farm through her trust.

Darlene loved playing sheepshead. She adored her family and formed deep loving bonds with David (Pam) Schlegel and Tyler (April) Krueger, cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous friends, many of whom called her Dolly.

She is survived by her brother-in-law Ronald Sukowski and her godchildren Tyler Krueger, Scott Gehl and John Sullivan, along with numerous cousins and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Leona “Onie” (nee Schlegel) Ott, her beloved husband Michael, brothers-in-law Wayne and Dennis, special brother Wilburt (Doris) Schlegel and her in-laws George and Louise (nee Walfert) Sukowski.

A memorial service for Darlene will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 Washington St., Grafton, WI 53024. The family will greet guests from 10:30 a.m. until the service at noon.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Paul Cemetery in Grafton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital-Ozaukee, Linda at Horizon, her extended family at Newcastle Place (Alisha, Yolanda, Tanika, all the staff and especially the drivers, who logged thousands of miles driving her around), Donna Gehl, Polly Morrison and Steve Proefrock for their loving care and help. Thank you to Pastors Anderson, Schultz and Maschke for all their visits and words of comfort.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.