Darla J. Bohlender, of Chelsea, MI, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 2, 1939, in Ivanhoe, MN, to the late Claire and Mary (Fitzgerald) Domek. Darla married John W. Bohlender on October 27, 1962 in Minnesota. After residing in the Chicago, IL area and the Crawfordsville, IN for many years, they moved their family to Chelsea, MI in 1978.
Darla earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, but she found her niche in real estate. She worked for many years as a real estate agent for Thornton Realtors in Chelsea. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, as well as the Chelsea Senior Center.
She loved music and found joy in playing the piano. She also enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, and going to the casino. She was a member of Inverness Country Club, where she enjoyed many friendships and played in the Women's League. She also liked doing arts and crafts. Most of all, she loved her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
Darla is survived by four children, Michael (Peggy) Bohlender of Silverthorne, CO, Tracy (Edward) Jennings of Brighton, MI, Matthew (Leanne) Bohlender of Saline, and Kristin Scherer of Dexter; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a brother, John (Donna) Kluczny, of Austin, MN, and a sister, Mary Jo (James) Dressen of Iowa; many nieces and nephews; as well as her dear friend, Toni Wilson of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Bohlender in 2016, and a sister, Vina Johnson.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., with Rosary at 6:30 p.m., led by Deacon John Kluczny. The family will also receive friends at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Senior Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
