Darlene Roeser-Fechner, 64, of Custer, SD, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 8, 2012, at her home in Custer.

Darlene was born July 19, 1948, to Evelyn Fechner-Bennett and Ruben Fechner in Wagner, SD. During 1958, the Fechner family moved to Custer where Darlene grew up, attended school, and met her beloved husband Keith Roeser of Spooner, WI. Darlene and Keith were married in June of 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 has spent time with Darlene knows what a fighter she is and how strong. It's her son and daughter sincere belief that our lord refused to let her spend another Christmas without those that preceded her in death; her beloved mother, Evelyn Bennett, her loving brother, Ronald Dean Fechner, and sister, Norma Fechner.

So as her body was frail, and her breathing was becoming more painful and labored, her spirit grew stronger in her faith and belief, she left this earth to join those who had gone before her and to blaze the trail and be there for those that she has left behind. She is now free to watch over her friends and family and continue to enjoy, watch, and participate as our lives go on without the mortal bonds that held her here.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband, Keith Roeser of Custer; daughter, Terisa Enstad of Cherry Hill NJ; son, Jerry Roeser of Custer; brother, Jimmy (Mary) Ray Fechner of Custer; three grandchildren, Shae, Shannon, and Matt Enstad of Cherry Hill NJ; stepfather, Bill Bennett of Edgemont; stepfamily, Gene (Sharon) Bennett of Virginia Beach, VA; David (Sue) Bennett of Rapid City; Tom (Barbara) Bennett of Alabama; Mark (Patty) Bennett of Rapid City; Jerry (Jane) Bennett of Black Hawk; Patricia Bennett of Alaska and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 14, 2012, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 15, 2012, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer with Pastor Mark Crossman officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery.