Darlene Roeser

Darlene Roeser-Fechner was born July 19, 1948, to Evelyn Fechner-Bennett and Ruben Fechner in Wagner, S.D.

In 1958, the Fechner family moved to Custer, S.D., where Darlene grew up, attended school and met her beloved  husband, Keith Roeser, of Spooner, Wis. Darlene and Keith were married in June 1966 and chose to make Custer their permanent home where they would raise their family.

Darlene enjoyed many jobs in Custer over the years including supporting the local tourist trade by working summer jobs at various hotels and restaurants. She was an active supporter of the Custer coffee community, whether it was serving coffee to others or actively taking part herself in the afternoon coffee chats. Quick-witted and enjoying a laugh, it was not hard to tell when she was there.

Darlene became an avid bowler for many years, even filling in and working at the bowling alley to support those league dues, bowling trips or buying a new ball. Although she would never admit it, she really was a leader in the bowling community by serving as treasurer, secretary and mentoring many junior league. However, those jobs paled in comparison to her love of controlling the local fish population in many lakes, rivers and streams with her beloved fisherman husband, many friends and family members. Anyone was welcome to grab a pole and tag along—but bring some bait.

Darlene's hobbies were as varied as her work. From crocheting to beading to quilting to yard sailing, there was not a craft project that she wasn't willing to jump in and try or a yard sale she could drive by. However, none of these were things she liked to do alone. She was never more happy as when she was enjoying them with her friends and family.

Anyone who spent time with Darlene knows what a fighter she was and how strong she was It’s her son and daughter’s sincere belief that our lord refused to let her spend another Christmas without those that preceded her in death. 

As her body was frail and her breathing was becoming more painful and labored, her spirit grew stronger in her faith and belief.

Darlene Roeser died Sunday Dec. 8, 2012. She was 64.

Darlene was preceded in death by beloved mother, Evelyn Bennett; her loving brother, Ronald Dean Fechner; and sister, Norma Fechner.

She is survived by her loving husband, Keith Roeser of Custer; daughter, Terisa Enstad of Cherry Hill, N.J.; son, Jerry Roeser of Custer; brother, Jimmy (Mary) Ray Fechner of Custer; three grandchildren, Shae, Shannon and Matt Enstad of Cherry Hill; step father, Bill Bennett of Edgemont, S.D.; step family, Gene (Sharon) Bennett of Virginia Beach, Va., David (Sue) Bennett of Rapid City, S.D., Tom (Barbara) Bennett of Alabama, Mark (Patty) Bennett of Rapid City, Jerry (Jane) Bennett of Black Hawk, S.D., Patricia Bennett of Alaska; and  many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were Dec. 15 at McColley’s Chapel of the Hills in Custer with Pastor Mark Crossman officiating. Interment followed at Custer Cemetery.

Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.