Darlene M. Nolte-Roeder, 86, of Seneca, died on October 4, 2022, surrounded by her family, at Oakley Place in Seneca.

Darlene was born on February 29, 1936, on a farm northwest of Corning to Elmer G. and Josephine Rethman Stallbaumer. She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School in Corning and graduated from the 8^th grade. Darlene helped on the family farm, in addition to doing domestic work, including taking care of newborn babies for local families.

On August 29, 1953, Darlene married Cletus Nolte at St. Patrick Church in Corning. The couple had six children. The family lived in Corning until the fall of 1964, when they moved to a farm east of Corning. Cletus died on January 13, 1976, from cancer. Darlene continued to farm and raise their children, working long hours providing for her family.   In 1981, when Darlene was in her 50’s she obtained her GED, she was very proud of furthering her education later in life.

Darlene went to work at the nursing home in Goff for a few years, prior to being employed by Merry Manor in Holton.  She later provided nurturing and compassionate care to the residents of Crestview Manor in Seneca, retiring in 1996.

On December 1, 1984, she married Alfred Roeder at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. The couple celebrated 33 years of marriage. After she and Alfred got married, the couple made their home south of Seneca. Alfred died on February 20, 2018. Darlene moved to the Oakley Place in 2020 and lived there until her death.

She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca and the St. Ann’s Altar Society. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Corning. Darlene enjoyed bowling, dancing, cards, embroidery and cross stitch.

Besides her two husbands, Cletus and Alfred, she was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Josephine Stallbaumer; a grandson, Jason Nolte on June 21, 2014; and siblings, Patricia Lierz, Galen Stallbaumer and Donald Stallbaumer.

Darlene is survived by her children, Sharon (Daniel) Ketter of Manhattan, Robert (Kathleen) Nolte of Seneca, Thomas (Marilyn) Nolte of Seneca, Kris (Denise) Nolte of Seneca, Carol (Todd) Surdez of Vermillion and Janell (David) Holt of Topeka; two brothers, Lawrence “Larry” Stallbaumer of Corning and Gerald Stallbaumer of Topeka; sisters, Jo Ella Ronnebaum of Centralia, Mary Shepherd, Diane McConnaughey, Linda Feldkamp all of Topeka; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 11 A.M. at the Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 2 & 7 P.M. on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Building Fund and St. Patrick’s Cemetery, sent in care of the family.