Darlene R. Pruess

She was born Dec. 3, 1936, in Brimley, Mich., the daughter of Alex and Loretta (Collins) McLean and attended schools in Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry. She was a graduate of Newberry High School and continued her education at St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Marquette where she received her registered nursing degree. She worked at hospitals in L’Anse and South Milwaukee.

On June 20, 1958, the former Darlene R. McLean married William C. Pruess in Newberry. They have lived in several areas including L’Anse and Oak Creek, Wis., and moved to Manistique in 1994. Bill preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 2008.

Darlene was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Manistique and the United Methodist Women (Marquette District Team). She was also a member of the Manistique Women’s Club, the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the Amity Club. She enjoyed quilting and knitting, and lived her life on the premise of Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Karen S. Pruess of Skandia, Mich.; sons, Steven C. (Melinda) Pruess and their children: Harlow, Jocelyn, McClellan, Thelma, and Sylvia of Ashland, Wis., and Brian J. (Rebecca) Pruess and their children, Jonathan, Dylan, and Daniel of Delton, Mich.; sister, Dorothea Nelson of Homer, Mich.; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Avis Fretz.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 19, at the Messier-Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Manistique with Rev. Don Bedwell and Rev. Sandra Kolder officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery at Newberry.

Memorial donations may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 190 North Cedar St., Manistique, MI 49854 or to the Schoolcraft Memorial Home Health and Hospice, 7870W US Highway 2, Manistique, MI 49854.