Darlene Phelps

Darlene A Phelps, 78, of Elk Mound, died Thursday, September 14, at Colfax Health Center.

She was born October 4, 1944 in Chippewa Falls to Harold M. and Sylvia L (Dennis) Helland. Darlene married Thomas Phelps on October 7, 1961.  Their 48-year marriage was blessed with six children. Darlene was loved by family and many friends, and she will be sorely missed,

Darlene worked in building maintenance and restoration for 13 years at Service Master, Eau Claire.  When Tom’s Work for the State of Wisconsin took them to Milwaukee, Darlene accepted a Building Managers position for Belview Terrace Apartments.  After 7 years, Darlene and Tom returned to Eau Claire where they could be surrounded by family and friends. She retired from Customer service at Mega Foods after 16 years.  She often spoke of the friends and customers she left behind.  She truly missed their smiles and hugs.

Darlene was an avid bowler but her true passion was Bingo.  Bingo gave Darlene another opportunity to not only excel at a challenge but provided another opportunity to socialize with family and friends.

Darlene is survived by her children: Charles Phelps, Deborah Goldsmith, Lori Nance, and Scott (Laurie) Phelps all of Eau Claire and Cheryl Pitt (Adam Price) of Cleghorn.  She is also survived by Don Rothbauer her significant other for many years, and her brothers, Thomas (Linda) Helland of Bloomer, Karl Helland (Julie) of Ettrick and sisters, Gloria Knutson of Chippewa Falls, Martha Heiman of Eau Claire and 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren

In addition to her parents, Darlene is preceded in death by her husband Thomas, daughter Lynn Patterson, sister Diane Brott, and brothers Harold Helland, Tim (Ella) Helland, Dennis Helland, Jack Helland, Clarence Helland; sister-in-law Sandra Helland; brother-in-law Steve Heiman; and son-in-law Tom (Deborah) Goldsmith.

A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona with Pastor Dan Doran officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be in the Lake View Cemetery, Eau Claire.