Marshfield – Darleen June (nee: Seehafer) Van Ryn, age 99, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, and was reunited with her loving and devoted husband, Donald Van Ryn, of more than 71 years.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Immanual Lutheran Church in Marshfield with Rev. Chris Schwanz officiating. Visitation for the family and friends will be at the church one hour prior to the service. A light-catered lunch will be served in the church dining room following the service. After lunch, the family will proceed to Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Marshfield, for a private family burial.
Darleen was born to the late Arthur and Clara (Ott) Seehafer on July 11, 1927. She was raised in the Town of McMillan, received her grade school education at City View School and graduated from Marshfield Senior High School, Class of 1945. Her maternal grandparents were Frank and Marie Ott, and her paternal grandparents were Albert and Augusta Seehafer.
On August 28, 1947, Darleen was joined in marriage to Donald (Don) Van Ryn at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Marshfield. The family lived for extended periods in the Chicago, IL area and in Waukesha, WI raising their two daughters and creating beautiful family memories which included camping and traveling throughout the United States. Retirement in 1992 brought the couple back to their roots in Marshfield, WI where they grew up. Many of their retirement winters were spent in Sun City, AZ.
Darleen’s employment included Walgreens Drug Store and Germann Jewelry Store in Marshfield, WI; Montgomery Ward and Sunbeam Corp. in Illinois; and Amron Corp and Instant Mailing Service in Waukesha, WI. She was also involved with volunteering at church and at Marshfield Medical Center (formally known as St. Josephs Hospital). She especially enjoyed volunteering by serving on the Seehafer and Ott family reunion committee. Besides being an impeccable homemaker, she also enjoyed gardening, planning and cooking for family gatherings, get-togethers with friends and later in life watching sports on TV. Those who knew Darleen say how amazing she was at 99 years old, especially for her enthusiasm to take daily walks. Darleen’s full, long and well-lived life is a gift and an example for all who loved her.
Darleen is lovingly survived by her daughters Karleen (James) Smith of Fayetteville, GA and Lois Stock of Hartland, WI, as well as two cherished grandchildren, Brigitte (Tom) Esau of Annandale, VA and Jacob Stock of Hartland, WI. She is further survived by her dear sister, Karen Ruder of Merrimack, NH and fond brother, Marlyn (Suzanne Payne) of Cincinnati, OH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Darleen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, October 19, 2018; her mother-in-law, Susan Sternitzky and father-in-law, William Van Ryn from Kewaunee, Il as well as, Charles Ruder of Merrimack, NH and Susie Payne of Cincinnati, OH. Also, a brother in infancy.
A private burial for family only will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Marshfield.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of North Shore Healthcare, Marshfield Medical center and palliative care, and Heartland Hospice for their gentle care and sincere thanks to all of Darleen’s many friends and neighbors for their kindness.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Darleen’s name is suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Marshfield, Wisconsin.
