Darlene Phyllis Hanley

Darlene Phyllis Hanley, age 86, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. She was born on July 5, 1939, to James (“Ollie”) and Florence Hanson in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Darlene lived most of her life in River Falls and is a member of the River Falls High School class of ’57. She married John Hanley on May 6, 1961, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls. Darlene kept busy raising four children, managing the household, and working part-time jobs at a variety of local businesses.

Recreation time often included camping trips with the family, with one epic road trip to Opryland in Nashville. Other great family memories include the unrelenting fun of Wisconsin Dells, the party atmosphere of tubing the Apple River, and the thrilling rides of Valley Fair. In retirement, Darlene and John traveled throughout the country, taking in new sites and attractions.

After the excitement of being away, they enjoyed returning home to spend time with family. They were frequently the hosts of holiday gatherings, bringing the family together as it grew over time. They both cherished their role as grandparents.

Darlene loved taking on the challenge of jigsaw puzzles, the creativity of sewing and crocheting, and the randomness of the casino slots. She was a fan of the TV and book series Murder, She Wrote.

Darlene will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Doreen Newstrand and Bonnie (Willard) Bennett; her children, Susan (James) Nelson, Paul Hanley, and Duane (Jill) Hanley; her grandchildren, Sara (Erik) Ahlman, Brenda (John) Strande, Wyatt Hanley, Alyssa (Haakon) Homstad, Kindra Hanley, Jessica Hanley, Eric Hanley, and Marissa Hanley; and her great-grandchildren, Aletta, Quinn, Luella, Clea, Briggs, and Ollie. She is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Florence Hanson; her beloved husband, John Hanley; and her son, Mark Hanley.

Funeral Service for Darlene Hanley will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 3, 2025 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 225 South 3rd St, River Falls, WI. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at 1:00 PM at St Bridget Catholic Cemetery.

No donations are needed; if you would like to honor Darlene, please make a donation to any worthy charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.