Darlene Myrtle Meskimen

Born April 1, 1935 in San Jose to George and Myrtle (Halsey) Wagner, she married Robert William Meskimen, Sr. on April 6, 1952 in Pekin. He died February 15, 2019 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one great-grandson; one sister, Bethel Schmidgall; five brothers, Fred, Donald, Vernon “Bob”, George “Jr.” and Bruce Wagner and two infant sisters, Eileen and Susan.

Surviving are three children, Richard (Beverly) Meskimen of Fairbury, Rhonda (John Larsen) Bethel of Peoria and Robert (Tina) Meskimen, Jr. of Mequon, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and one brother, Cornelluis “Keek” Wagner of Pekin.

Darlene worked at Mr. K’s in Pekin for 21 years before retiring in 1995.

She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, camping, traveling and spending her winters in Texas. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family, where she’d light up when seeing her grandchildren.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Pekin, where she played in the Bell Choir.

Her private graveside service will be at Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley. Pastor Mark Foglio will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL Route 91, Peoria, Illinois 61615 or to First Christian Church of Pekin, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com