Darleen Joyce Kagele

Apr. 30, 1935 – Oct. 16, 2022

Darleen Joyce Kagele, 87, passed away Sun., Oct. 16, 2022, in Odessa, Wash. Darleen was born on Apr. 30, 1935, to Robert and Esther (Hemmerling) Schlimmer in Odessa, Wash. She was the oldest of four children: sisters, Terri Carlson and Colleen Titcomb, and brother, Robert Schlimmer.

Darleen graduated from Odessa High School in 1953. Upon the conclusion of high school, she attended Lee College, a Christian University in Tennessee, to pursue music. After her return to Washington, she married Richard L. Kagele of Ritzville, Wash., on Nov. 12, 1954. Together, they built a home on a third-generation farm where they raised their four children: Debra, Diane, DeWayne, and Denys. From there, they went on to enjoy 67 years of marriage. Darleen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother her entire life.

Richard and Darleen had four children: Debra (Brad) Arlt, Diane (Brian) Borth, DeWayne (Jeri) Kagele, and Denys (Mark) Smith. Darleen was a loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Ryan, Brandon, Myles, Jamie, Kamie, Kayla, Tevyn, Austyn, Addisyn, Rylee, and Tyler, as well as 17 great-grandchildren.

She was a gifted musician, specializing in the organ, piano, string bass, and accordion. Darleen enjoyed playing these instruments at several local churches for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother.

A private family burial took place on Thursday, October 20th. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darleen's honor to Shriners Children's Hospital.

State Funeral Home, Davenport, Washington is caring for the Kagele family.