Darlene Ann Lancaster, age 85, of Monroe, died at home on Monday, September 28, 2026. Darlene was born on August 20, 1941 in Ripon, WI, the daughter of Henry R. and Marcella (Jobs) Kessler. She graduated from Janesville High School, attended Green County Teacher’s College, and taught at the one-room Prien rural school. Darlene was united in marriage to Larry L. Lancaster on September 30, 1961. Darlene and Larry owned and operated Larry’s Chalet Market in Monroe for 19 years and she also worked at Walmart for 23 years. Darlene brought smiles to many as Dolly Ann the clown. She also brightened people’s days with homemade greeting cards and scrapbooks she created. Darlene was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was active in the church circle. She also volunteered at SSM Health Monroe where she helped with the cookie Crew.

She is survived by her four children, Lynn (Phil) Maternowski of McKinney, TX, Steve (Gail) Lancaster of Monroe, Scott Lancaster of Plain, WI, Brian (Sondra) Lancaster of Beaufort, S.C.; eight grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren; She is further survived by a sister, Barbara Anderson; brothers, Mark, Gordon, and Delmon Kessler; many nieces and nephews, and her little buddy, Peanut. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry, on August 14, 2026; brother, Henry “Bud” Kessler; and a sister, Nancy Kessler; step-father, Andrew Novella; and step-mother, Yvonne Kessler.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe, with Pastor John Tabaka officiating. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Services will conclude with burial in Lamont Cemetery, rural Darlington, at 2:00 p.m. A memorial fund will be established in Darlene’s name. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net