Darleen Hoelscher

Darleen Keller was born on Feb. 19, 1930 on a farm in Pershing, Missouri, daughter of Leo and Anna Keller and younger sister to LaVerne who was 6 years old at the time.

After graduating from high school when she was 17, she moved to St. Louis and began working for New York Life Insurance. Starting as a clerk-typist, she was promoted to Secretary of the Regional Vice President 3 years later at the age of 21. Shortly after moving to St. Louis, Darleen met and married her beloved husband, Vernon. Their love endured for more than 64 years. To this union two children were blessed: Verleen and Denise.

Although content to be a homemaker for many years, when her daughters were older, she became a Kelly Girl working in short-term secretary jobs. At the end of her career, she secured a permanent job as an administrative assistant with PerkinElmer, an international company that produces scientifically calibrated instruments. She retired from there after many years of service.

Darleen loved to garden, cook, dance, play piano and travel. She was also a talented seamstress who made many special outfits for her daughters as they grew up. Upon retiring, she and Vernon took frequent trips together including vacations in Alaska, Hawaii and the Bahamas.

Darleen, along with Vernon, was very active in St. John's UCC where they attended for over 50 years. During this time, she was a member of the Marys and Marthas women's group and founding member of the Philatheas--an organization that was created to encourage fellowship with other married couples at the church.

Darleen will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was willing to help her family, her church, her friends, and her neighbors in any way she could. She was a special lady who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Darleen is survived by her daughters Verleen Schmidt and Denise (David) McDougall; grandchildren Stephen(Kirstin)Schmidt, Alex(Amanda)McDougall, Kelsey(Alec)Martin; great-grandchildren Colin, Henry and Kamryn and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darleen was preceded in death by parents Leo and Anna Keller, husband Vernon, sister Laverne Hemeyer, brother-in-law Marvin Hemeyer, and nephews, Myron Hemeyer and Stanley Hemeyer; niece Doris (nee Randoll) Harting and nephew Brent Hoelscher as well as many dear sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and life-long friends.

A special thank you to staff and residents at Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Center where Darleen made her home for the last 10 years.

Pre-service Gathering Thursday, June 27, 2019 10:00 am -11:00 am St. Johns United Church of Christ 11333 St. Johns Church Road St. Louis, MO 63123 Memorial Service Thursday, June 27, 2019 11:00 am -12:00 noon St. Johns United Church of Christ 11333 St. Johns Church Road St. Louis, MO 63123 A luncheon will be served at the Church immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Johns U.C.C. at the address listed above.

June 27, 2019
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
St. Johns United Church of Christ
11333 St. Johns Road St. Louis, Missouri 63123