Darlene H. Keuten, 100, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Gardenside Care Center in Fairbury. She was born on April 28, 1924, to Edward & Emma (Schmohr) Wittler at their home two miles north of Jansen, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. Paul’s Evangelical & Reform Church near Jansen and attended school through the 8th grade. She met her husband, Richard F. Keuten in 1946 at a dance at the Plymouth Auditorium. They were married on December 28, 1948. To this union five children were born, Richard A., Lawrence, Sharon, Donna and Randy. They raised their children on a farm south of Harbine until 1972 when they moved into Diller. Shortly after moving to Diller, Darlene went to work for Petersen Manufacturing until retiring on June 30, 1989.

Darlene was a hard-working lady who did a lot of farm work along with raising her children. A very family oriented & loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who was always there for them. She was a gentle and quiet person who enjoyed gardening, flowers, watching Survivor, and most of all spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughters, Sharon (Rod) Arthur, Diller, NE and Donna (Dennis) Kenning, Steele City, NE and son Randy (Sara) Keuten, Diller, NE, grandchildren Darcy (Scott Shinn) Smith, Karrie (Brad Vculek) Keuten, Shanna (Ryan Clark) Keuten, Brandi (Kit) Jilg, Shawna (Rob) Barnts, Dustin (Kara Riggle) Kenning,  Dani (Stephen Specht) Kenning, Justin Keuten & Jessica (Michael Grotz) Keuten, Kurt Keuten, Greg Parde & Amanda Parde, along with many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Richard F. and sons Richard A. & Lawrence, parents, Edward & Emma Wittler, parents-in-law, Diedrich & Marie Keuten, brothers, Orville (Erna) Wittler, & Edward Wittler, brother and sisters-in-laws, Clarence Keuten, Raymond & Rotha Keuten, Eleanor & Dwight Tietjen & Norma & Jim Lohner.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury with burial to follow at the Fairbury Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday March 13, 2025, with the family greeting friends from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials have been established to the family for future designation. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com