Darlene Anne Ludwig, 87, of Brighton passed away Thursday September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Care Center in Union Grove, WI. She was born to Anna (nee: Kohlmann) and William Emmett Merrill on September 4, 1938. She was a lifetime resident of the Kenosha County area and graduated from Central High School in 1956. In 1959 Darlene married her high school sweetheart Eugene (Gene) Ludwig and they resided in Brighton raising two sons.

Darlene could light up a room creating laughter with her incredible sense of humor. She could make friends anywhere. Darlene was nicknamed "wiener" as a child and stood only 4'11-3/4" as an adult. She was a "tom boy" her whole life but also had class. She loved the outdoors and was an animal lover. She had many talents that she loved to share with family and friends including artwork, woodworking and cooking. She could hunt and fish and kept impeccable care of countless acres of yardwork and landscaping. On her family's property she and her husband had a deer farm for many years. Family and friends loved to visit and beckon "Bucky" over to feed and take pictures with him. She was an incredible supporter of her husband, kids and grandkids. In her youth she went to beauty school and was always the family's go to for haircuts.

Darlene is survived by her husband Eugene (Gene) Ludwig, a son Tom Ludwig of Brighton, daughter-in-law Kelly Vorpagel of Minocqua, grandchildren Weston Ludwig, Luke (Lexi) Ludwig, Colton Ludwig, Heidi Ludwig, Holly Ludwig and Carlie Vorpagel, sister-in-law Grace Merrill, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her son Dale Ludwig, parents Anna (nee: Kohlman) and William Emmett Merrill, siblings Lloyd Merrill and sister-in-law Patricia (Schilz) Merrill, Norman Merrill and sister-in-law Marjorie (Eineke) Merrill, Duane Merrill and sister-in-law Patricia (Wittchow) Merrill, and Dale Merrill.

Visitation will be held on October 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Miller Reesman Funeral Home in Union Grove. A prayer service to begin at noon. Burial at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery will immediately follow.