Darlene Joyce Eichstaedt, 81, of Valparaiso passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024. She was born October 22, 1942 in San Pierre, Indiana to Charles & Bertha (Kelley) Galbreath and graduated as Valedictorian from Hanna High School in 1961. Darlene was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, Valparaiso where she had led the Youth Group, taught Sunday school, and served as treasurer. Her career spanned training as a beautician, licensing as a real estate agent, bookkeeping for local industry, and administrative assistant duties for a variety of business interests. Her talents and interests were as eclectic as her career moves; 4-H Leader, vegetable and flower gardening, pie baking, painting, crafting, birdwatching and feeding, matchmaking, and reading voraciously. Despite this plethora of talents, all of which she practiced with a meticulous precision that was inherent in her, Darlene’s true natural talent may have been caring for and helping to raise her grandchildren by whom she was affectionately called “Gramma D”.
On August 23, 1963, she married Kent Eichstaedt who survives along with their children; Stephen (Ling) Eichstaedt of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Lynn Eichstaedt-Birky (Celeste Serrano) of Kouts & Stephanie (Shaun) Kriske of Chicago, grandchildren: Dean, Marissa (Richard), Hannah, Katy, Annie, Aidan, Ian, Alexander, Leo, Atticus & Leiana, and great-grandson, Reed. She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
A private burial ceremony will be held at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso with Rev. Eric Schoech officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
To Uncle Kent and Family, Sorry to hear about Aunt Darlene. She will be miss. Last time we seen her we up in Indiana. We had great visit and hard to leave. Hugs and Prayers going out to all. -Dennis & Debbie Galbreath
We are so very sorry for your loss. Darlene was a cool lady and a good neighbor. We will think fondly of her every year when the lilies she generously shared with us bloom. -The Hodsden’s
Stephanie, I want to extend my sympathies to you and your family in the passing of your mom. You can always remember the wonderful pies and have comfort knowing you gained that talent. -Darrell Marks
Uncle Kent, Steve, Lynn, Stephanie, and Family, Aunt Darlene will forever by my "cool" aunt. I have so many memories of her- she gave me my first haircut and she would have my mom laughing until she cried! They had such a special bond. When my mom was ill, Aunt Darlene was a constant source of support and love for all of us. On Mom's final day, Aunt Darlene brought her pastor to the hospital and he led us all in prayer and song. That was a special comfort that I will always be thankful to her for. She was a special lady who will be greatly missed. Please take care of yourselves and each other. With prayers and love, Julie Gunn
