Obituary: Darlene Marie Elmblad

As received from theJacobson Funeral Home: 

Darlene Marie Elmblad, age 76 of Skanee, MI passed away on Friday, August 11th, 2023 at Bayside Village in L’Anse, MI surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born October 27, 1946 in Houghton, MI daughter to Vivan and Joyce (Kunick) Witz. Darlene graduated from L’Anse High School in 1964. She married the love of her life, Leslie Elmblad, on September 27, 1969 in Skanee. They owned and operated Elm’s Country Market in Skanee for 5 years. She then went on to work at the L’Anse sentinel. After that she decided to start up her own independent interior home design business. During this time she would wallpaper, paint, and restore furniture. Making homes look beautiful was a passion of hers. Dar and Les opened an antique store, Old Mill Stream, in Michigamme in the late 90’s which ran for about 5 years. After the passing of her mother, Joyce, the two took over operations at Witz Marina for the next 16 years. She tried everything life had to offer, you could write a book about all of her adventures.

She worked sun up to sun down, never sitting in one place for too long. Aside from working, taking care of her family and home was her top priority. She took pride in her clean home and always had dinner ready for her husband and children. In her freetime she enjoyed picking berries, creating beautiful gardens, dancing, collecting rocks, digging for bottles and other treasures, spending time in the woods and making unique artwork with her findings. Traveling was another great passion of hers. She traveled all over the U.S. and to various other countries. Arizona was a very special place. She was an outstanding grandmother to her grandchildren. Prior to her moving to Bayside Village in the Summer of 2021, her loving husband Les, took great care of her as she declined due to Alzheimer’s disease. He would take her for rides daily along with their beloved dog Kitty while she enjoyed a couple busch lights. Her faith in God remained strong until the end, she often spoke about going home to see her parents. We take great comfort in knowing she is home now.

Darlene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee and the Arvon Township Women’s auxiliary.

Surviving are her husband Leslie Elmblad of Skanee; children, Bruce (Andi) Elmblad of Skanee, Dawn (Marshall) Plumer of Chassell, MI, Scott (April) Elmblad of L’Anse, Melissa (Max) Miron of Skanee; brothers, Jerry (Sally) Witz of Gladstone, MI, Dean (Linda) Witz of Skanee, Tom Witz of Marquette, MI; grandchildren Skyleigh, Gunnar, Daniel (Leah), Isaac, Forrest, Col and bonus grand daughter Kelli; great grandchildren Kasey & Carter. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents Vivan and Joyce Witz; brother James Witz; daughter-in-law SunYi Elmblad; special friends “Crazy” Dar Elmblad & Jackie Chamberlain; and her beloved dog Merlin.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee with Pastor Peter Suomela officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall. Burial will be in the Skanee Cemetery closed for family and close friends. Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends may sign Darlene’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.