Darlene J. Toonen

Darlene Jane Toonen passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 27, 2021 at Theda Care
Regional Medical Center in Appleton. She was born on August 31, 1931 in the Town of Union,
Waupaca County, to Herman and Erna (Genskow) Splitt. Darlene was united in marriage to
James R Toonen a union that lasted more than 25 years.
As a teacher and mentor, Darlene loved teaching and her students loved her. She
enthusiastically met the challenges of a lifelong career as an elementary school teacher in the
Kimberly Area School District. She enjoyed history which prompted her to volunteer at the
Grignon Mansion in Kaukauna, escorting groups of people through the rooms to look at
artifacts and learn about the history of the Grignon family and their home. Later she began
helping out with other programs at the Outagamie Museum in Appleton, leading tours in period
costume at Houdini Historical Center, chatting about pioneer days during Sow and Settler
events. Darlene was subsequently honored with the Harold VonderHere Outstanding Volunteer
Award for her tireless dedication to the Outagamie County Historical Society.
Inspired by the kindness of those she met while traveling to Australia, England and New
Zealand, Darlene volunteered to coordinate and place exchange students in the area. She
helped conduct interviews for both host families to accommodate foreign students, as well as
local students bound for overseas. She was a great ambassador for her community.
Darlene always enjoyed a day on the water of fishing with her father. She was an avid golfer in
her younger years and always up for a long walk in the community in her later years, she
enjoyed fitness and a chat with neighbors while gardening.
Darlene is survived by nieces and nephews and extended family too numerous to list by name.
Darlene is preceded in death by sisters Rosada Splitt, Elnora “Toots” (Harry) Clifton, Deloris
(Eldred) Beil, Arla (Forest) Kreklow and brother Gerald (Rosella) Splitt.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Golden Care Services and Province Terrace Villa
Assisted Living facility in Appleton for the care and support provided to Darlene during her stay.
We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and emergency room staff at Theda Care
Regional Medical Center for the care given to Darlene.
The graveside service will be held July 22, 2021 at 11 am at Marble Cemetery, Township of
Union, Waupaca County, Wisconsin.