Darlene Ann Brungardt Holzmeister was born September 29, 1931, at St. Joseph Hospital in Hays, Kansas. She passed from this life on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. Darlene was the youngest of nine children born to John and Magdalena (Mermis) Brungardt, who lived in rural Russell County, Kansas. She was the only one of the children to be born in a hospital.
At age six, Darlene and her family left the farm and moved to Hays. She graduated from Hays High School and then graduated from beauty college in Wichita, Kansas. While in Wichita, Darlene also met her husband, Edwin Holzmeister. They were married in Hays on August 27, 1951. The couple were blessed with five sons and one daughter.
Darlene was a talented artist. She painted with both acrylics and oils. Darlene and her brother, Lawrence, were once honored to display some of their work at Farmers State Bank in Hays. Darlene also loved to knit, sew, crochet and quilt. Darlene always had two or three “projects” going at any one time. Darlene was also a fabulous cook. Due to her mother’s health, Darlene started cooking for the family as a rather young girl, and she kept getting better and better. There was nothing she could not make, and she could feed a crowd. Just ask her kids and grandkids, and all of their friends.
Darlene was a homemaker, ran a daycare, and operated Holzmeister Shoe Repair (1974-1994) and Holzmeister Liquor Store (1978-1998) alongside her husband, Edwin. Darlene and Ed retired when they sold the liquor store.
Darlene and Ed were heavily involved for years with the American Legion and Auxiliary. Darlene served as the Sixth District President of Kansas Legion Auxiliary from 1978-1979. During that year, Darlene and the Sixth District Commander of the Legion, Melroy Kopsa of Cuba, Kansas, hosted their District Homecoming in Hays. Ed was able to book a big 18-piece band from Czechoslovakia from behind the Iron Curtain for the homecoming dance. The dance sold out and everyone had a fantastic time. It was always a treasured memory and a great example of how Darlene and Ed always worked and had fun together.
Darlene and Ed loved to travel and dance. They loved to camp at Wilson Lake with their children and friends. In 1987, Darlene and Ed purchased a cabin at Cedar Bluff Lake where they spent countless hours and regularly entertained family and friends. So many great memories!
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lioba Weigel and Celeste Herman; and brothers James Brungardt, Leo Brungardt, George Brungardt, Lawrence Brungardt, Tom Brungardt, and Donald Brungardt.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Edwin of Hays; daughter, Susan (Shirley Grecian) Holzmeister of Hays; and sons, Ivan (Charlene) Holzmeister of Hays, Kevin (Chris) Holzmeister Hays, Tom (Julie) Holzmeister of Lawrenceville, Ga, Greg (Miriam) Holzmeister of Gypsum, KS, and Eric Holzmeister of Hays; grandchildren, Adele Runge, Brock Holzmeister, Greyson Holzmeister, Miranda Stein, Andrea Holzmeister, Brieanna Holzmeister, Brandon Holzmeister, Shannon Brandenburg, Madison Holzmeister, Dylan Holzmeister, Austin Holzmeister, Nathan Holzmeister, Rachel Byarlay, and Victoria Jones; five great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and her beloved pets Lilly and Tinker.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, April 21, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Rich Daise officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM. Thursday visitation will be 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]