Darlene Kay Stryker

Darlene Kay Stryker, of Hemlock, MI, born on July 15, 1945, in Chapin, MI, passed away on January 10, 2025, in Merrill, MI. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who dedicated her life to her family.

Darlene's caring spirit was evident in her community involvement. A 4-H leader and a member of the Hemlock Band Boosters, she was always willing to lend her support to initiatives that would help her children and grandchildren accomplish their dreams. Darlene was also a member of the Four Points United Methodist Church at the Nelson Campus. She had attended St. Charles Schools, and remained a proud Bulldog. Darlene gained immense joy from crafting, painting, sewing, quilting, and making delightful candies for her family. Avoiding Michigan winters with her husband, Darlene and George enjoyed their winter time with family and friends in Texas and Arizona. Above all else, she cherished her family and friends.

Darlene married George Stryker, on April 2, 1966. Together, they built a loving home for their family. Her children, Kim (Scott) Cronkright, Rev. Lisa (Rev. Mike) Kelley, Pat (Larry) Upton, her daughter-in-law Georganne Stryker, and Albert (Nichole Roberson) Stryker. She proudly embraced her role as a mother and later extended her love to her cherished grandchildren: April, Mandy, Jessica, Scott, Jessica, Joshua, Jennifer, Eve, Elizabeth, Monica, Tiffany, Jace, Samantha, and their spouses. Across generations, she found delight in her 19 great-grandchildren. Darlene also survived by her siblings, Ed (Madelyn) Wicke, brother-in-law Don George, sister-in-law Irene Wicke, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will continue to honor and remember her vibrant spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Pansy (Chant) Wicke, her son Donald Robert Stryker, and her siblings: John Wicke, Mary (Richard) Godfrey, Albert (Loretta) Wicke, Gerald (Maxine) Wicke, Art (Marilou) Wicke, and Betty George.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Four Points Church—Nelson Campus, located at 5950 S Hemlock Rd, Hemlock, MI 48626. Her daughter, Rev. Lisa Kelley will officiate assisted by Rev. Robert Richards. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 9:00 AM to until the memorial service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Four Points United Methodist Church, or an Alzheimer’s research organization. Arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolences with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com