Darlene Ann Jentz, 86, of Platteville, WI passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Edenbrook of Platteville.

Darlene was born on February 20, 1940, to Edward and Mabel (Bennett) Stark at her Grandpa and Grandma Bennett’s home in Cuba City, Lafayette County. She was the oldest of three children. Darlene graduated from Cuba City High School in 1958.

On February 20, 1960, Darlene married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” E. Jentz at the First English Lutheran Church in Platteville. They had six children and lived on the family dairy farm. Darlene helped on the farm and was a leader of the Jolly Platters 4-H Club for many years. Around town, she was known as the “Egg Lady”. They quit farming in October of 1989 and moved to Platteville. Darlene did various jobs, worked at the Arcade Bowling Alley, cleaned houses, cleaned McDonald’s and the Arcade Bowling Alley with Chuck, the Platteville Thrift Shop and was the lunch lady at Platteville High School for a few years.

Darlene enjoyed playing cards, their Euchre card club, bowling, going on vacation with family, bus trips through 1st National Bank, watching her children and grandchildren show cattle and spending time with family and friends. She was a gracious host whether you needed a place to stay or just wanted to stop by and visit. Darlene also had a collection of angels and bees.

Darlene is survived by her six children, Kay Schwahn, Ann (Dave) Vosberg, Dennis (Julie) Jentz, Janet Frederick, David Jentz, Karen (Chuck) Watson; grandchildren, Julie (Jay) Bell, Kevin (Angela) Schwahn, Brian (Kari) Schwahn, Michelle (Casey) Pickel, Jeremy (Nicci) Vosberg, Tim Vosberg, Jordan (Caitlin) Frederick, Jaron Frederick, Tricia (Wes) Rogler; twenty-one great-grandchildren; brother LeRoy (Sue Thuman) Stark, sister, Joyce (Gary) Borgmann, nieces and nephews and special family friend, Missy Manke. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; father and mother-in-law Edward and Clara Jentz; three sisters-in-law and their spouses, Jeraldine (Fred) Morse, Audrey (Vernon) Wilkinson and Lois (Dick) Martens and special brother-in-law, Jack Reiter.

Funeral services will be at 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. The visitation will be on Sunday from 3:00 PM until the service at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

The family wishes to Thank Edenbrook and St. Croix Hospice for their comfort and care given to Darlene.

DARLENE JENTZ

February 20, 1940 - June 09, 2026

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