Darlene M. Speich

Darlene M. Speich, fondly known as "Sarge" by those who knew her well, was born on March 14, 1932, in the Town of Warner, rural Greenwood, Wisconsin to Otto and Mabel (Johnson) Kind. Darlene was commanding (hence her nickname) and could be stubborn almost to a fault. One would think that her refusal to accept sometimes good advice would have led to an early demise. However, she was too obstinate to let that happen. The Angel of Death may have thought he had finally met his match before Darlene gave up the battle on November 16, 2025 at the age of 93.

Married to Elmer Speich on October 24, 1953, Darlene was a good wife, mother, and friend. Elmer and Darlene started their married life on the family farm near Greenwood before pulling up roots and moving to Watertown, Wisconsin in 1957. In 1964, they moved to the Rockford, Illinois area where they stayed until 1979 when they relocated to Roscoe, Illinois.

To say that Darlene was commanding and stubborn would not be a complete portrayal of her. For she was also loving and determined that her children would have a better life than she experienced during the Great Depression and the rationing of World War II. So while raising her children, she also worked factory jobs in order that the family would have two incomes. She did not worry about “work-life balance”. She just worked. And along with her husband Elmer, they delivered that better life to their children. Darlene retired from Pfizer in 1987.

Being raised on a dairy farm, Darlene had an affinity for animals and almost always had a pet in the house. She loved to feed the birds and other wildlife around her place; and literally had chipmunks eating out of the palm of her hand. She fed a feral cat for over a year before luring it inside and making a splendid pet out of it. Darlene often spoke of the draft horses on the farm. She rarely mentioned the cows though, as she probably did not miss them.

One does not attain the age of 93 without being preceded in death by numerous family members and friends. And Darlene was no different. A short list of those who preceded her would be her husband of over 56 years, Elmer Speich; her parents; and her siblings and in-laws: Ruth (Raymond) Rasmussen, Elroy Kind, Vernon (Neva) Kind, Orlando (Alvina) Kind, and Donna (Kenneth) Hium. Darlene is survived by her brother Otto (Pat) Kind, Jr.; children: Brian (Thaô) Speich, Dawn Bielefeldt, Kerry Speich, and Joy (Nick) Shoemaker; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to the caregivers at The Grand Victorian of Rockford, Saint Anne Place, and Unity Hospice & Palliative Care for the care Darlene received in her final years.

Funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 21, 2025 in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, Illinois with Pastor Randy Nicholas officiating. Burial will be in the Roscoe Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of ceremony.