Darla Wenzel

At our 20 year class reunion last weekend, many of us remembered Darla.  There were pictures that Deb had, remembrances of her, and many luminaries in your memory in the Relay for Life walk that many of us participated in.  Here is a little story not a lot of people know about, but will shed a little more light on her life and after. 

I was in the class of '89, as well as worked with her through high school at the Dairy Queen, so we had our fair share of good times. She always seemed to be smart, funloving and had a great smile. 

It wasn't until that cool September night in 1989, when I saw her determination and perseverance take over, when five of us were traveling back to college from a dance.  We were near Brookings when a train hit our vehicle broadside on the drivers side; Darla was driving.  With the impact we took and where it was, she very well could have died right there.  On the way to the hospital, I rode in the ambulance with her since I only had minor injuries.  It was difficult seeing a friend like Darla in pain, but somehow she pulled through and returned to school after a stay in the hospital.  A vehicle can be replaced, but a person and a friendship cannot.  I was just glad she was alive.

I was shocked to hear of her passing, but after hearing and seeing many new stories of Darla's life, I know that everything happens for a reason.  She fought and lived that night, and now a new life, Maiya, lives through her.  She will be missed, loved and remembered by many, and Maiya, just remember the good times you had with your Mother.  I know that she taught you well.  We miss you Darla.

Darla was truly a great person and I feel blessed to have known her for the time that I did and to have been able to be present in that part of her life.  I will always cherish the times that I spent with Darla playing together at the Wenzel house, playing in the neighborhoods, playing together with other childhood friends, playing basketball for the Pheasants, playing the french horn together in concert band and marching band, homecomings, proms, and so many more memories that I recall. Darla was always kind, friendly, fun to be around, a great competitor, a talented french horn player, a great friend and a beautiful soul.  Her time was ended much too soon but I'm sure her spirit will live on in her beautiful daughter, Maiya.  I have cried as well as smiled to see pictures of Darla, family and friends in more recent times on the picture gallery. I will miss Darla. What a wonderful and supportive family she was blessed to have!

I remember the first day I met Darla.  It was at the city park when I was going to be the sixth and Darla was going to be in the 8th grade.  I smile of all of our memorizes (sleepovers in the tent running all over town, we actually went and bought ourself a 2 man tent; going to Crazy Days in Watertown and Aberdeen; track; laying out trying to get a tan in the spring with goose bumps all over because it was too cool for laying out; going to the Black Hills on vacation; cruising around town and Sat and Sundays eating our favorite vanilla ice cream topped with m&ms). 

I am deeply saddened as I can not recall the last time I saw Darla.  We tried to get together when she would come back to Redfield from college.........

Darla was a wonderful friend who was loyal, fun to be with, smart, and overall a fabulous person.  I can only imagaine what a wonderful woman she became especially a devoted mother and also a daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Words cannot express........my deepest sympathies to Darla's family.

Darla was an amazing woman and role-model for her daughter Maiya. Although her time with her mother was cut short, Maiya learned many lessons that will carry her well into adulthood. She has learned how to be self-less as Darla always put Maiya's needs and desires ahead of her illness. She volunteered for Maiya's dance company even when she was sick. Sometimes she would sit alone in the lobby watching Maiya dance through the window while the other moms shopped and ran errands. She valued her time with her daughter and her time on earth. Another lesson Maiya will have learned from her mother. She was a woman of few words. When she had something to say it was considerate and kind. She was loyal. She deserved more time. We wanted more time. Darla will be missed. Her daughter Maiya is a joy to teach and I would love to raise her but I would have to get in line behind all the people who love her. Darla did an incredible job. I am sorry she won't be physically present for all of Maiya's milestones but I know she will be there in spirit.

Sorry to learn of Darla's passing.  She was a good basketball player, a wonderful French horn player, a passionate cheerleader and such a happy person.  My deepest sympathies are extended to her daughter, family and friends, especially my classmate, Dawn Turner. 

Every summer and many Holidays my family would return to Redfield where my mom and dad grew up.  I would stay with my Grandma (Betty) Gilbertson who lived accross the street from Darla.  I would spend most of my time during our visits with Darla.  We had so much fun!  I remember calling the radio station over and over requesting they play "Jessie's Girl".  They were never to happy to hear our request.  We would walk to town and buy candy at Stacy's or at the gas station.  In my mind we are still those young girls who spent most of their time laughing.  I never know Darla as an adult so in my mind that is how she remains.  She will always be a part of my happiest childhood memories of my time in South Dakota. 

 

You are all in my thoughts and prayers,  Krista

Words are just not adequate at a time like this...my deepest sympathies to Darla's family.  Darla was a wonderful person and her memory will live on in many; I know I will cherish mine.  What a blessing (seen in the shared photos) the sisters and family could vacation together a few months ago!!  I am sorry to have lost touch with her and so wish we could have been there supporting her.  Her beautiful daughter, Maiya, has someone very special watching over her.  May Darla enjoy peace with Him for all eternity.

 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he

dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26).

I knew Darla well in high school and was involved in a lot of the same activities as her.  One thing I always remember is she always had a smile on her face.  I'm sorry to say that I had not kept in touch with her since high school, but it looks like she lived a very full life and was a wonderful mother.  There are many of us from the Class of 89 that are keeping all of Darla's family and especially her daughter in our prayers.  With much sympathy,

Sara (Gruenwald) Peterson