Darlene E. LaBrec

Darlene E LaBrec, age 89 of Menomonie, formerly of Arkansaw, died Sunday, January 11, 2026 at her home in Menomonie.

Darlene was born at the home of her parents, Wm and Edith (King) Cataract on April 12, 1936 in the Town of Frankfort, rural Pepin County. She attended Oak Center, a one room school, and graduated from Arkansaw High School. After graduation, she worked at Fanny Farmer Candy Store in Eau Claire until she married her high school sweetheart, Lyle LaBrec, on December 30, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw. After marriage, they always lived in the Arkansaw community. Darlene worked at Northern Wisconsin Manufacturing for 15 years, then worked as a CNA in Red Wing, MN for 20 years.

Darlene loved horseback riding and most animals. She also enjoyed doing word finds, going on trips with her friend Joyce Borman, and going up north to the cabin with family. Most of all she loved her family.

Darlene is survived by her children, Bobby (Gregg) Bechel of Menomonie and Daniel (Sandy) of Plum City, son-in-law, Lenis “Lenny” Hince of Pepin, grandchildren, Ron (Kelly), Teresa, Bridget (Adam), Spencer (Jessica), Tina (Katie), Lucas and Jolene (Cole), great grandchildren, Abby, Andrew, Dawson, Carson, Conner, Harper, Rory and Mila, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lyle, her daughters, Judy Schlosser and JoAnn Hince, a brother in infancy and her close friend, Joyce Borman.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00PM-7:00PM Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. A private family burial will be held later.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.rhielfuneralhome.com