Darlene Mae Bade

Darlene Mae Bade, age 80, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on April 25, 1945 to the late Leonard and Leona (Barttelt) Howard in Merrill. Darlene grew up on the family’s dairy farm. She attended and graduated from Merrill High School. Darlene met the love of her life, Roger Bade, and the two were united in marriage on September 1, 1973 in Merrill. He survives.

Before starting her family, Darlene worked at Church Mutual Insurance Company. She and Roger enjoyed many years of traveling with good friends to various locations around the United States, as well as Europe and Ireland, and going to numerous Packer games around the country. They bowled together for over 50 years with their teammates, Bob and Marlene Schlag. From its beginning, they were active members of the Devils Creek Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club and continued attending meetings and events throughout the years. Darlene found joy tending her flower gardens and shared plentiful harvests from her vegetable garden. As a skilled seamstress she filled their home with quilts, blankets, clothing, and crafts. She earned many awards and recognitions for both her flowers, needlepoint and sewing projects at the Lincoln County Fair. In 2016 she was honored as an Outstanding Fair Volunteer. She also loved pan fishing with Roger. Darlene was an amazing grandma and was always there to help with the kids and cherished her time with her beloved grandchildren. She was a member of the Homemakers Club and the St. John Lutheran Church altar guild. Darlene was a kind and loving spirit and was a blessing to her family. She will be missed dearly.

Darlene is survived by her husband: Roger Bade of Merrill, son: Darren (Irina) Bade of Rootstown, OH, with their child: Liliya, daughter: Kimberly (Eric) Pozorski of Wausau, with their twins: Aaron and Mikayla and brother: Lowell Howard. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral service for Darlene will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. R. Neely Owen will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Taylor -Stine-Waid Funeral Home, at 903 East 3rd Street, Merrill, and again on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Scott.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of the Mount View Care Center Services in Wausau for their support and professionalism that they had shown to Darlene and her family.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.