Darlene E. Zulauf

Darlene E. Zulauf, 74, of Fond du Lac died peacefully on the morning of March 3, 2023 after a brief but difficult battle with cancer.

She was born on March 15, 1948 to Tony and Enola (Yoap) Lepianka in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. She graduated from Coleman High School in 1956 and from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1970.

She married Aaron Zulauf on June 11, 1977 at Hope Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. She and Aaron remained devoted members of Hope for nearly 50 years where Darlene served on the Board of Music and sang in the choir.

Darlene had a life-long passion for learning and education. She taught English and Communications for many years at Waunakee Middle School, Moraine Park Technical College, and at Ripon High School until her retirement. When not teaching, she was a voracious reader, history buff, and fond of any game involving trivia, especially “Jeopardy!.” You could also find her watching the Badgers whenever they played.

Darlene had a way about her in which she made friends easily – lifelong friends – and enveloped them into her family, who was her world. She will forever be remembered as a Christian, wife, mother, good listener, friend, and teacher.

Darlene will be greatly missed by her husband, Aaron and daughter Alexandra (Joe Kempf) of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ricky.

The Zulauf family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. A funeral service will follow visitation at 11:00 AM.

Her family extends gratitude to the Fond du Lac Cancer Center and Hospice team who cared for Darlene in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hope Music at Hope Lutheran Church.