Darlene G. Mische

Visitation for Darlene G. Mische, 92, a longtime Palatine resident, will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine. A Committal Service and Inurnment will be held privately at Union Cemetery, St. Charles.

She was born February 12, 1929 to the late Raleigh M. and Gertrude (Hecht) Rieke, and passed away August 22, 2021 after a brief illness.

Darlene always had a special place in her heart for her hometown of Muscatine, Iowa where she achieved her dream of becoming a fourth grade teacher following graduation from Muscatine Community College. She married Sterling H. Mische in Muscatine on August 17, 1951 and they were blessed with 70 years of marriage prior to Sterling’s passing in May 2021.

After living in several Iowa communities, the Mische’s moved to Palatine in 1960 for Sterling’s employment with Prospect High School. Darlene delighted in dedicating herself to her family and considered her greatest joy to be raising their three children: Kurt (Judy Costanza) Mische, Reno, NV; Scott, Palatine; and Kristin (Miles) Rinehart, DeKalb, IL. Darlene passionately supported her family’s activities and interests.

Darlene was a devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in Palatine for more than 50 years. She coordinated the Parish Workers for three decades and participated in SEARCH Bible Study, Stephen Ministries, Church Library, Celebrate Senior Center, Greeters, and Vacation Bible School. Darlene enjoyed reading, antiquing, and gardening and was quite the enthusiastic sports fan.

Survivors also include grandchildren Dan Kremer, Los Angeles, CA and Elise (Stephen) Compston, Reno, NV; great-grandchildren Landon Compston and Ariel Compston; cousin Nancy (the late Jerry) Strajack, Muscatine; brother-in-law Norman (the late Rayma Jean) Mische, Washington, MO; nieces and nephews. Her sister Mary Lou Cox and brother Richard Rieke preceded her in death.

Memorials will be appreciated to Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Rd, Palatine, IL 60074; or to Muscatine Community College Foundation, 152 Colorado Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761 (please write General Scholarships – Darlene Mische in memo space).