Darlene E. (DeLain) Hoffman, age 81, a resident of Manitowoc, died Sunday evening, February 25, 2024 from complications of a left-brain condition known as primary progressive apraxia.
Darlene was born in Manitowoc on October 8, 1942 to the late Arthur and Adeline (Schroeder) DeLain. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1961. On October 26, 1963 Darlene married Joe Kabat. He died in an auto accident on September 16, 1966. On December 31, 1969 Darlene married Arnold Patynski, the father of her son and daughter. He died of a heart attack on November 30, 1977. On February 14, 1981, Darlene married Glen Hoffman, her son’s Big Brother from Big Brothers / Big Sister. He died as a result of an auto accident on July 6, 1989.
Darlene worked at The Manitowoc Clinic for 31 years and then at Holy Family Memorial for 16 years until her retirement. Darlene enjoyed spending her time volunteering at the Capitol Civic Center, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Roncalli High School, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Riverview School, and many other places throughout the Manitowoc area. She was a kind person that was always there to lend a hand or help anyone in need. A favorite saying of hers was, “What can I do for you?” Darlene was an avid fan of the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers. She looked forward to her monthly card club and annual shopping trips with her girlfriend. Darlene took great pride in not only her yard, but also in everything she did. She would be the one to plan the party, clean up during and after, and made sure everyone was having a good time. Above all, Darlene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends – especially her grandchildren that she would take on day trips to explore “Weird Wisconsin”.
Survivors include Darlene’s son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Carri Patynski, Manitowoc; daughter (shopping buddy) and son-in-law, Susan and Aaron Buchert, Milwaukee; fur baby, Zoey; brother and sister-in-law, Darryl and Carol DeLain, Manitowoc; sister, Mary Portmann, Kiel; grandchildren: Alexis Patynski and Zachary Patynski; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to include: Andrew Patynski, Nancy Hoffman, Roger (Liz) Hoffman, Tom (Sue) Hoffman, Ron (Nancy) Hoffman, and Mary Boyd; nieces and nephews: Steve (Erin) DeLain, Michael (Debra) DeLain, Michelle (Joseph) Schultz, Blake (Jessica) Portmann, Reid (Zerny) Portmann, David (Sheri) Portmann, Lee (Amanda) Portmann, Allison (Clayton) Joiner, Laura Jane (Seth) Cohen, Dave (Joya) Hoffman, Joe Hoffman, Cathy (Andy) Wise, Wendy (Scott) Hundley, Cassandra (Scott) Blashka, Derrick (Alyssa) Hoffman, Mitch (Bari) Deprey, and Dan (Terry) Deprey; also other relatives and friends. Darlene was preceded in death by many family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
by Rev. Richard Klingeisen with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The visitation will continue at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Darlene’s name.
Darlene’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Harbor View Assisted Living and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for all of the care and compassion they provided. Further thanks to Melissa Seib who was an excellent caregiver, and also to everyone else who provided care and comfort to Darlene.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.