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Darlene Miller
HARTINGTON — Darlene Delores Ann Miller, 91, Hartington, died Dec. 28, 2022, at Brookestone Village, Omaha.
Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 3 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating.
Burial was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington.
Pallbearers were her grandsons, Zachary Miller, Andrew Kropp, Mason Miller, Chad Miller, Nick Miller and Noah Miller.
Visitation and a Vigil service were Monday, at church, and continued Tuesday, one hour prior to services. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.
Darlene Delores Ann was born Aug. 25, 1931, in Hartington, to Leo and Blanche (Hochstein) Arens. She grew up in the Brooky Bottom area near Wynot. Darlene went to Wacapona School and then to St. James Catholic School for several years. She then went to Mt. Marty High School, Yankton, S.D., as a freshman and graduated from Holy Trinity High School, Hartington. Darlene went to Mt. Marty College as a freshman to become a nurse, but those plans changed as she got sick with acute Nephritis after having lobar pneumonia and cerebral meningitis as a senior in high school. She went to work at Loonan Lumber Co. and did bookkeeping and took the civil service exam and worked for Herman Renze at the courthouse for FHA.
She married Donald George Miller April 22, 1953, in Hartington. Darlene and Don lived their married life together on a farm southwest of Hartington. Darlene did the bookkeeping many years for Don’s business, which was Don Miller Land Co. Four children were born to this union Kevin Kim, Chris and Doug. Darlene and Don spent 10 years in the winters in Mesa, Ariz., and then purchased a home in Hartington after Don had fallen in Arizona, which required him to go the nursing home. Don died five years later Oct. 10, 2014, at the age of 85 years.
Darlene received a kidney transplant October 17, 1973, from her brother Leo Jr. “Curly.” She was the oldest living kidney transplant recipient in the world, at 49 years with the same kidney. Darlene received the volunteer service award by the National Kidney Foundation of Nebraska, recognizing her for fundraising support and giving public education programs.
Darlene was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and its perpetual adoration. She also served on the Liturgy Committee and taught Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine for 12 years, which prepared children for First Communion and Confession.
She was member of Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters of America. She volunteered for the Hartington Chamber of Commerce and received the Community Service Award in 1989. She was also a former leader of the “Recovery” program (a mental self-help group). Darlene was a trained EMT and a former member of the Hartington Ambulance Squad from 1985-1989. She received the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award and the LaVitsef award. She worked with Hospice, helped at the Senior Center breakfasts, loved to play bridge with several clubs of close friends and especially enjoyed attending all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities through the years. Darlene left her mark on many people and organizations and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Darlene is survived by her four children, Kevin (Denise) Miller, Chadron; Kim (Bob) Kropp, Omaha; Chris (Rhonda) Miller, Hartington; Doug (Cindy) Miller, Hartington; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Leo Jr “Curly” (Donis) Arens, Omaha, and Duane (Elaine) Arens, Hartington; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Blanche Arens; husband, Don; a brother, Arlo (Tilly) Arens; and two nephews, Alan and Austin Arens.
