Darlene V. Raunio

Darlene V. Raunio March 1, 1948 – August 16, 2024

Darlene V. Raunio, 76, of Tomahawk, passed away Friday, August 16, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital as a result of a fall. Darlene was born March 1, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Arvid and Evelyn (Nelson) Shellberg. Darlene was united in marriage on June 22, 1968, to Larry Raunio of Phelps, Wisconsin. They resided in Chicago until they moved to Tomahawk in January of 1989. Darlene and Larry enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting together until Larry passed in 2010. 

Darlene was very involved in her community whether that was in Chicago or more recently, Tomahawk. She was active in 4H in her younger years and received many awards which included: “Junior Leadership”, “Dress Revue” and “Dog Care” which she carried out throughout her life. Darlene was an active parent in the local PTA in Chicago where her children attended Grammar School. Upon moving to Tomahawk she worked with S.O.U.L. to try and help save the power lines and volunteered for local town elections for many years. She was a blood donor and received the 5-gallon milestone award from the Red Cross in 2019. Darlene was an avid bowler and was looking forward to this upcoming season. She enjoyed being the Association Manager for the league for many years and had things set for this upcoming year. 

In addition to Darlene’s community involvement, she enjoyed researching the family tree, gardening, cooking, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She made numerous mittens, slippers, and sukkas for family and friends. She loved reading romance novels and murder mysteries.

Above all, she had a great love for animals, but her dogs, birds, and hummingbirds were closest to her heart. Her most recent; Star, Tess, and Banjo will miss her greatly. She spoiled them with her homemade dog treats and her unconditional love.

Preceding Darlene in death were her parents, Arvid and Evelyn; husband, Larry; and son, Michael.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Chris) Volkmann, Sugar Camp; grandson, Elijah (Maddie Sowinski) Volkmann, Sugar Camp; granddaughter, Naomi (Ethan) Spears, Sugar Camp; sister-in-law, Judith Ranta-Menge, Merrill; nephew, Steve (Robbin) Ranta and their two girls Jennifer (Joey) Ranta, Wausau and Sarah (Louis) Malluege, Irma; niece, Lynn (Jon) Woller, Merrill and their two girls, Katie (Carl) Wirth, Boyceville and Krista (Clark) Bauer, Wausau.

Services will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service immediately following with Pastor Josh Reese of North Life Church officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Phelps, Wisconsin.

A memorial in honor of Darlene is appreciated to your local Animal Shelter or Humane Society.

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven ~ A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted…” Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11