Darlene R. (Nowack) Hurtis

Darlene Ruth Hurtis, age 93, of Marathon, Wisconsin, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 2, 2025, after a life richly lived in service, faith, and kindness.

Darlene was born on December 3, 1931, in her grandparents’ farmhouse in Granton, Wisconsin, to Elsie (Dorst) and Clarence Nowack. Her life was marked by devotion—to her family, her community, and her faith.

Darlene married the love of her life, Gilbert Hurtis, on August 18, 1950. Together, they moved to Marathon, Wisconsin, where they started both a family and a family business. Darlene balanced her roles as bookkeeper, phone operator, and office assistant—all from her home—with the unwavering care and presence she gave her husband and children. She also put her talents as a beautician to use, after attending Eau Claire Beauty School, giving hundreds of haircuts to family and friends over the years.

A pillar of strength and compassion, Darlene poured her heart into volunteer work. She served with Wausau Hospital Hospice for 18 years and at the pediatric and cardiology clinics, giving her time and comfort to those in need. At Fellowship Bible Church in Marathon, she was a cornerstone of the community, serving in Awana Club, Junior Church, Vacation Bible School, the Nursery, Greeter and Bread ministries, and hosting Bible studies in her home. She also gave her time to the Red Cross Blood Pressure Clinic in Marathon and was an active member of the Circle of Joy Food Pantry serving the Edgar and Marathon area communities, Hillcrest Homemakers Club (where she held various offices), and Highland Community Church.

Family was everything to Darlene. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her unwavering support, loving presence, and joyful spirit were deeply felt by all who knew her. She stayed active well into her later years—swimming, walking, and attending countless school activities, basketball games, musicals, and concerts for her children and grandchildren.  Darlene found joy in baking and sharing her treats, often teaching the younger generations her baking skills. Her home was a warm and welcoming place, often filled with the aroma of fresh-baked goodies and the laughter of loved ones.  She enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   She and Gilbert also shared many adventures traveling together throughout their 66 years of marriage to 49 states, the Virgin Islands, Canada, and Europe.

Darlene is survived by her six children: Lyn (Roland) Skrzypchak, Sparta, WI, Sandra (Donald) Lang, Roscoe, IL, Larry (Joan) Hurtis, Tomahawk, WI, James (Lisa) Hurtis, Wausau, WI, Brian (Heidi) Hurtis, Harshaw, WI, and Bruce (Pam) Hurtis Marathon, WI. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gilbert; her parents, Elsie (Dorst) and Clarence Nowack; her sisters, Dorothy Reisner and Muriel Nowack; and her grandson, Bill Lang.

A memorial service celebrating Darlene’s life and faith will be held on May 19, 2025, at Highland Community Church, 1005 N 28th Ave, Wausau, Wisconsin.  The service will begin at 11:00 a.m.  All family and acquaintances of Darlene are welcome to attend and honor the legacy of a woman whose kindness, generosity, and love left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Darlene’s family wishes to thank the staff of Primrose Retirement Community of Wausau and the staff of Aspirus Hospice House of Wausau for the special care given to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Aspirus Hospice of Wausau, WI, Highland Community Church of Wausau, WI, or Circle of Joy Food Panty, Edgar, WI in Darlene’s memory.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com