Darlene Elizabeth Hilsabeck, nee Gerken, 89 years old died on May 1, 2025. She was born on September 22, 1935 to John and Dorthy Gercken in Onarga, IL.
Darlene attended Concordia College in River Forest IL and became a special education teacher. She taught in CO, MO and OH retiring from Columbus Public Schools.
On July 10, 1960 she married James Roy Hilsabeck who preceded her in death on April 7, 2002.
Darlene is survived by her three children; James (Janet) Hilsabeck, Rebecca (David) McEvoy and Janice (Steven) Jessberger. She has seven grandchildren Emily (Josh), Molly, Maxwell (Kai), Alexander (Kate), Andrew (Som), Catherine and Melissa; and four great-grandchildren, Roy, Marshall, Toviah and Titus.
Preceded in death by her parents and sister Maxine (Harry) Drinen.
She is survived by siblings Glenn (Dottie) Gercken and John (Barbara) Gercken with nephew Scott (Rebecca) Gercken.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Pastor Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family (c/o Janice Jessberger, 628 Wintergreen Dr., Purcellville, Virginia, 20132) and the money will be directed to Concordia University Chicago – College of Education in River Forest.
Please share a memory of Darlene at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
