Darlyne C. Reiger

Darlyne C. Reiger, 81 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010 at her home in the loving care of her famiy. Mass of Christian Burial for Darlyne will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with visitation continuing at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Darlyne will be her sons-in-law Rick Schneider, Sheldon Grigsby and Kevin Wilhelmi and also Drew Wilhelmi, George Reiger, Jay Olson, Brad Larson and Dwaine Schlieve. Music will be provided by Lynne Webster and JoDee Lagein. Darlyne was born on January 22, 1929 in Devils Lake, the loving daughter of Blanding and Myrtle (Thompson) Olson. She was reared in the Crary/Doyon area, attending a one room country school. Darlyne graduated from Devils Lake Central High School with the class of 1947. She began working at the Farmers Union Creamery in the bookkeeping department. Darlyne also worked in sales in several department stores in Devils Lake including S&L, Barkers and Rands. Darlyne was united in marriage to Wendelin “Wendy” J. Reiger on November 17, 1948 at Crary, ND and established their home in Devils Lake. After Wendy entered the United States Army she accompanied him to Alabama and after his discharge, they returned to Devils Lake where they have since made their home for over 60 years. For many years during the summer, Darlyne worked as a cook and waitress at Camp Grafton in the Officers Club and NCO Club. Darlyne joined St. Joseph Church in 1948 and was a very active member of the Forrester’s, Altar Society, Infant of Prague Circle, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s School. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Business and Professional Womens Organization, the Elkettes and the Eagles Auxiliary. Darlyne also enjoyed many years of bowling with the ladies coffee league. Darlyne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was always active in the lives of her daughters and their many activities including, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Cheerleading, School parties and dances and always welcomed their friends into their home. She and Wendy loved to dance and entertain family and friends and they hosted many pinnacle parties. Darlyne had a passion for the outdoors, gardening and tending to her flowers. She never let her physical disabilities slow her down. Darlyne’s loving and caring heart was her guide in life. She was a generous, compassionate person and if there was a need, she tried to fulfill that need. She generously gave of her time and finances to many worthwhile charities and organizations. Darlyne’s heart was bursting with pride and love whenever she talked about her children, grandchildren and the love of her life, Wendy. Darlyne touched all of our lives in a very special way and we will remember her always. Darlyne is survived by her husband of 61 years, Wendy; three daughters, Cheryl and her husband Rick Schneider of Allen, Texas, Nancy and her husband Sheldon Grigsby of Mesa, AZ and Gayle and her husband Kevin Wilhelmi of Devils Lake; Nine Grandchildren and Ten Great Grandchildren, Shannan (Greg) Stanke and their children, Samantha, Camryn and Grace; Michelle Schneider and her children, Kelsea and Alex, Amanda Schneider and her daughter, Phoenix; Alexys Grigsby and her children Malaki and Lyla, Stormie (Greg) Bledsoe and their children Bella and Noah, Spencer Grigsby; Casey, Jocelyn and Drew Wilhelmi; Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Darlyne was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Brenda in June of 2002.