Darlene Rae (Panawash) Damitz of Eagle River, Wisconsin, passed away January 3, 2025, with her family by her side.

Darlene was born on August 8, 1944, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Walter Panawash and Vera Hine.

Survivors include her brother Dennis (Nancy) Panawash, children David (fiancé Sally), Pam Damitz Kramer (Mike), grandchildren Kevin (Amber), Kody, Kaleb, Cassady (Gavin), Cassandra (fiancé Cody), Kylie, and Ashton, great grandchildren Brady, Ava, Eleanor, Aubriegh, and Madelyn.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Lyle & Jimmy Panawash, sisters Katherine Ostrowski & Geraldine Maas, and her parents Walter & Vera.

Darlene was a 1962 graduate of Waukesha South High School.

On May 8, 1965, she married Albert Damitz, who passed away October 6, 2024.

She lived in Waukesha, Wisconsin, for several years. She then moved to Birnamwood, Wisconsin, with her husband and children. When Albert retired, they moved to Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Darlene enjoyed being a homemaker cooking, baking, flower & vegetable gardening, and fishing. She was also a long-time member of Eagle River chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a nonprofit weight-loss support organization. She reached her goal weight and earned her KOPS status. (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). The year she became a KOP, she was the state runner up for total weight loss and was recognized for this accomplishment at a ceremony in Baraboo, Wisconsin. That was an extremely proud moment for her. She retained her KOPS status for several years.

She will be missed by her family and friends. Farewell for now…until we meet again beloved wife, mother, aunt, and grandma. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

There will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will occur at a later date.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS