Darla Jean (Mentzel) Lund, age 79, of Freedom, went in her sleep peacefully, to her heavenly home on August 21 ^st , 2017. She was born July 13, 1938 to the late Alvin and Fleda Lucille (Ensign) Mentzel in New London, WI and was raised on the family farm in Northport, WI. Darla was confirmed in 1952 from Emanual Lutheran Church in New London. She graduated from New London High school.

On June 14, 1958, Darla married James Kenneth Lund at Emanual Lutheran Church in New London. They were sweethearts since 8 ^th grade and enjoyed 59 wonderful years of marriage. Darla was a very loving wife, mom, grandma and homemaker.

She was a devout Christian, dedicating 35 years teaching Sunday School to the 3 and 4 year old preschoolers at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Freedom, WI. She was magical in teaching them prayers and beautiful songs of praise. Darla had the most wonderful voice. She sang in the church choir for many years and also sang for many weddings.

Darla was the most dedicated Mom and Grandma ever. Many of her grandchildren were blessed to have their Grandma take care of them regularly.   She was also a wonderful caregiver to many other children throughout the years.

She will always be known for having the best chocolate chip cookies and was held dear in the hearts of all the Freedom and Menasha wrestlers who were spoiled with these cookies by "Wrestling Grandma".

Darla had a heart of gold. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Willing Wheels and many other selfless acts through the Caring & Sharing Ministry at St. Peter.

Darla loved camping, reading and doing anything that brought the whole family together.

Darla is survived by her loving husband, Jim. Her children Rick (Shelly) Lund of Florence; Debbie (Frank) Reimer of Freedom; Cindy (Neal) Roebke of Wautoma. Her devoted sister, Sherry Buelow of New London.; 13 grandchildren: Craig Koehler (fiancee Jessica Lee), Rikki-Ann (Ryan) Chiamulera, Tracy Koehler (special friend Cage Bible), Lance (Brittany) Lund, Bryce (Deena) Lund, KayCee (Zach) Carobine, Frank D Reimer, Amy (Kyle) McMahon, Jared Reimer, Jordan Reimer (fiancee Ashleigh VanEperen), Corey (Christie) Roebke, Tyler (Annie) Roebke, Coty (Brooke) Roebke; her 10, soon to be 12 great-grandchildren: Chace Lund; Riley, Robyn Chiamulera; Noah, Kaydence, Ella, Baby Roebke; Addison, Baby Roebke; Landon, Carter, Alexia McMahon. She is further survived by her brother-in-law John Lund, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law and many dear friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 1776 E. Main St. Little Chute, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, August 25, 2017 at ST. PETER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, N2740 French Rd. Appleton (Freedom), from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Tim Glende will officiate. Committal Ostrander Cemetery. A memorial is being established to benefit the St. Peter's Tuition Fund.