Darlene Joyce Brunet

Darlene Joyce Brunet peacefully passed away after a short illness and met Jesus "face to face" on March 1, 2026, shortly after her 90th birthday. Darlene was at home surrounded by family and friends.

Darlene was born in Michigan on February 1st, 1936 to Johanna (Klumstra) and Edward A. Watson, being the youngest of six children. She graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1953.

She was married to Glenn A. Brunet at St Paul's Church in Oshkosh in 1958 and together they raised five children. Darlene was a wonderful mother, homemaker and chauffeur. Glenn and Darlene went out to eat, on picnics, to the outdoor theatre and to the Milwaukee Zoo. The family also went on many camping vacations to Evergreen Campground and Yellowstone Park.

In the empty nest years, Darlene took courses to become a health care worker and started as a nurse’s aide. She became a private caretaker for several years and worked as a nanny. She was employed at UW Fond du Lac Campus doing secretarial duties. She also worked for various retail outlets including K-Mart and Copps. Earlier in life, Darlene enjoyed finding antiques and going to rummage sales. She liked rides through the park at Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Darlene traveled to Pennsylvania several times to be with her sister, nieces and nephew. All this time, she continued to build her skills as a mother, grandmother, homemaker, caregiver and friend.

Darlene was an avid greeting card writer sending out 40 plus Christmas cards, birthday cards, Thanksgiving cards and Get-Well cards. She loved to embellish these cards with stickers, sparkle glues, cut out shapes and letters. Every card was loaded with encouraging words, gospel verses and love. She tucked gospel tracks into each card.

Darlene was very patriotic and enjoyed her grandson's fireworks displays. She went to the Fond du Lac parades with her children and grandchildren and was a faithful giver to DVNF, Wounded Warriors and DAV.

Her faith was most important to her. She was a member for many years at St Marks United Church of Christ, and Gospel Tabernacle of Fond du Lac where she loved to serve, helping and preparing food for events and functions. Darlene was involved in and led bible study groups with her lady friends for decades and was referred to as Mama from many of the college and career age group. She was a member of her daughter and son-in-law’s church, Living Truth Fellowship for many years and was a member of Glad Tidings Church in Oshkosh in her later years, Darlene attended bible conferences and once went on a missionary journey to the border of California and Mexico. Her favorite charities were Bobbie and Sherry Burnette "Love a Child" and James Robison Ministries, "Water for Life".

Next to her faith in Christ for Salvation was her high devotion to her family, children and grandchildren whom she loved, prayed for, cared for and of whom she laid down her life. Our mother and grandmother would agree with Paul in the bible saying, "I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith firmly guarding the gospel against error. We believe that our mother would also agree with the psalmist when he said so much of life is fleeting and vanity apart from God and we will one day stand before God. We should seek our creator while we can and obey Him.

Darlene is survived by 5 children, Scott (Jackie) Brunet, Charlene (Joe) Hess, Tod Brunet, Craig Brunet and friend Anne Schmitz, and Forrest Brunet. Her 5 grandchildren, Chaunee Brunet, TJabe Brunet, Ethan Hess, Alaina Hess, and Joe Toney Brunet.

Also, surviving are Darlene's sisters, Vervaine Kimball and Gloria Ayers. Her nephews Jeff Brunet, Jim Crane, Paul Crane, Bill Kimball, Donnie Ayers, Tom Watson, Mitch Watson and Steven Kimball. Her nieces Shauna O'Conner, Debbie McIntyre, Linda Emberger, April Steinfort and Gail Beideman.

Proceeding Darlene in death were her parents, Edward and Johanna Watson, her sisters, June Kimball and Doris Crane, Her brother Edward "Brother" Watson. Her sister-in law Yvonne Brunet, brothers-in-law, Donald Ayers, Jaye Brunet, Jack Crane, former husband Glenn Brunet and her nephew John Kimball and niece Ruth Kimball.

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on March 8, 2026, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm to 2 pm, followed by funeral service at 2 pm. Please join the family for a light luncheon at the Eagles Club following the service for a time to share how Darlene’s life has left an impact on your life.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and administrators at SSM Health and St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com