Darlenne Slomka

She was born on September 9 in Detroit, MI, the beloved daughter of the late Witold and Mildred (Topolewski) Slomka. A firm believer that a woman’s age is nobody’s business, she carried a timeless spirit throughout her life.

Darlenne was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of the Catholic Church.

An entrepreneur at heart, Darlenne’s ambition was evident from a young age–starting with her own ice cream truck on the streets of Detroit. She later became a successful businesswoman in Marquette, owning a restaurant at KI Sawyer Airport. In the 1980s and early ’90s, she launched Morning Star, a free TV guide publication, further showcasing her drive and creativity.

A self-taught and talented guitarist and singer, Darlenne shared her musical gifts with many choirs. She also had an incredible talent for sewing, designing and creating most of her own stylish blouses throughout the 1970s and ’80s. She had an eye for beautiful clothing and knew how to craft elegance on a budget.

Cooking was another of Darlenne’s great passions. At her restaurant, she took pride in serving high-quality, homemade meals–right down to the mashed potatoes, which were peeled fresh each day.

Throughout her decades in Marquette, she never tired of taking scenic drives to Presque Isle. She had the privilege of working with many wonderful people and was blessed with lifelong friendships she deeply cherished.

Darlenne was a passionate soul who dreamed big–not just for herself, but for those around her. She pursued her goals with hard work, integrity, and unwavering virtue. She lovingly cared for her aging parents and treated every child she babysat as if they were her own. As a teacher of wisdom through the scriptures, she felt a deep responsibility to honestly guide, nurture, and uplift others in the truth. Her warmth and kindness extended to everyone she met, making her a wonderful conversationalist with a genuine love for people. Above all, she had an insatiable thirst for understanding what truly mattered in life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday, February 28, at 6:00 pm with Rev. Dan Moll, pastor, as celebrant.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.