Darlene Marie “Daisy” Heins, 81, of Gresham, Wisconsin, began her eternal journey and returned to her Father in Heaven on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Darlene was born on July 24, 1944, in Mattoon, Wisconsin, to Alfred and Corabell (Pollock) Rickert. She was united in marriage to Malcolm R. Heins on February 10, 1962. On May 29, 1964, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her beloved husband, Malcolm, preceded her in death on June 3, 2020.

Darlene was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was an avid Avon representative for more than 45 years while also working at Texlon in Gresham and Zwicker in Shawano. Over the years, she also waitressed at several local restaurants. She finished her working career alongside her husband as a truck driver for Mondovi Transport and Hoffman Transit until her retirement in 2012.

Darlene had a gift for making others feel loved and remembered. She enjoyed crocheting beautiful afghans, creating Stampin’ Up greeting cards, and making many different homemade crafts that she lovingly shared with friends and family throughout the years. She loved traveling, including five trips to Hawaii & countless cruises.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Colleen (Joseph Sr.) Rudesill of Gresham; her grandchildren, Joseph (Sara) Rudesill of Rhinelander, Brandon (Molly) Rudesill of Gresham, and Dakota (Armani) Rudesill of Gresham; and her eight great-grandchildren: Dezarae, Hailie, Joseph Thomas III, Cordelia, Greyson, Jude, Isaiah, and Malcolm. She is also survived by her siblings, Jane (Ferdinand) Malueg, Janice (Elroy) Malueg, Lester Rickert, Nancy (Robert) Grunewald, Keith (Lori) Rickert, and Doug (Jenalyn) Rickert; many nieces, nephews, other relatives; and dear friends, Lee and Sue Miller, Betty Anderson & Sandy Welch.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Emeline Chroge (Leon) Chroge; and her brothers, Leroy (Lila) Rickert, Randy Rickert, Dick (Linda) Rickert, and Dale (Janise) Rickert.

Her family will forever remember her kindness, creativity, strong work ethic, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her.

A funeral service for Darlene will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gresham WI, with Bishop John Rickert officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be at the Gresham Public Cemetery, on Cherry Road east of Gresham proceeding the service at church. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

If anyone has any special keepsakes that Darlene made for you or your family through the years and would consider lending them for the service please reach out to the family or bring with to the funeral. Meal and visiting following burial.