Darlene Y. Kairis, 85, of Winneconne died Monday, January 5, 2026, at Bethel Home in Oshkosh. She was born as the second of five children to Ernest and Doris (Albertz) Roberts of Fond du Lac, WI on December 30, 1940.

Darlene was a creative thinker… always paying careful attention to details along the way, and nothing was wasted. She was self-taught in cooking, sewing, and gardening at a very young age. And she loved the outdoors. Creativity was her passion, her escape, and her little way of bringing joy and happiness, not only into her life, but into the lives of others. Darlene will be remembered by her many acts of kindness and gifts of sharing. Her love of quilting was known by all, and anyone who touched her life in any way became a proud owner of one of her quilts. She was an amazing example of a hard-working Domestic Goddess. Darlene loved her country home, gardens, cats, and most of all, her family.

On July 20, 1958, she married William C. Miller at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. Darlene was a 1965 graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac and a 1978 graduate of Moraine Park Technical Institute, obtaining a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Darlene completed her education, both at WLA and MPTI, while being married and raising a family.

On January 30, 1983, she married Robert J. Kairis Sr. at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Darlene’s employment throughout the years included: Well’s Mfg., Standard Kollsman, Speed Queen, Green Giant Co., Rosendale State Bank, and of utmost importance to her was her nursing career at Mercy Medical Center and the Winneconne Clinic.

She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Winneconne with its Ladies Aid, quilting, and funeral committee; and at the Peniel Welsh Chapel of Oshkosh. Darlene belonged to many programs throughout the years which helped her to learn, nurture, and grow. She was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren, teaching them many life skills.

Darlene is survived by her brother, Dennis (Alice) Roberts, of Fond du Lac; her sister, Nancy Cabler, of Surprise, AZ; sister-in-law, Shirley Boeder, St. Peter; her four children and their families: daughter, Dawn Koehler, of Appleton, granddaughter, Naomi Zuberbier (Josh); son, William D. (Mary) Miller, of Appleton, grandchildren, Rebecca (Pat) Hurley, William C. (Brie) Miller, Christopher Miller, Sean Miller; great-grandchildren, Liam, Hughes, Winston, and Monroe Miller; daughter, Julie Miller, of North Fond du Lac, grandson, Adam Hill (April); son, Dustin (Lori) Miller, of Chippewa Falls, grandchildren, Nolan Miller, Avarie Miller, Collin Subera. She is also survived by a stepson, Robert J. Jr. (Laura) Kairis; step-grandchildren, Tara (Patrick) Long, Beau (Carly) Kairis, Austin (Deena) Kairis, Noah (Megan) Kairis; step-great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Levi, and Lilah Long, Saveria Kairis; step-daughter-in-law, Jeanne Kairis; step-granddaughter, Kristina (Bryan) Denzin; step-great-granddaughter, Raven Denzin; Godchildren, Heather Ballwanz Green, Jennifer Miller Giebel, Jim Hess; a special friend, Paul Schlender; and other relatives and friends.

Preceding Darlene in death were her parents; husband, Robert J. Kairis Sr; her previous husband, William C. Miller; sisters, Judy Ballwanz Kimpel and Diane Prahl; sister-in-law, Rose Roberts; brothers-in-law, Arthur Henning and Robert Cabler; stepsons, James Kairis and Michael Kairis; grandparents, Arnold and Flora (Martens) Albertz; Thomas O. and Minnie (Teigert) Roberts, step-grandpa, Ed Heller; Godchildren, Charles Chase and Thomas Henning; and her sponsors, Milton Albertz and Lucille Hartman.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 8 S. 4th St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Ben Berger officiating. Inurnment will be in the Bell Cemetery, Winneconne. Darlene has requested everyone to wear bright and cheery colors in memory of her. She also would like to invite anyone who has received a quilt of hers to bring and display their quilt at church during the visitation and service for all to enjoy. Please attach your name and phone number to your quilt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

Darlene’s family want to thank her special caregivers from: Home Instead, Moments Hospice and Bethel Home, and Paul and Todd for the care and concern shown to their mother.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.