Darlene "Toots" Marie Slusar

Toots married Russell “Russ” Slusar on July 27, 1957 and they shared over 39 years of marriage prior to his passing on November 10, 1996.

Mom enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She got along with everyone, treated everybody equal and did not cause any issues. She could be a little feisty at times and was not afraid to say sh#%t if she had to.

Fishing was a favorite past time as she enjoyed many trips up north to Minoqua and to her brother Jerry's summer place. Many summers were spent at Little Muskego and Lake Nagawicka, as she was a fantastic water skier. Mom enjoyed trips to the casino, always claiming, "she had no money", despite winning. Mom was a huge football fan, especially the Packers. She also enjoyed watching and attending the Coyotes hockey games and her trips to Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas to visit family and friends. Bowling was another favorite past time in her earlier years and in later years she enjoyed playing Wii bowling with her brother Bill. Mom loved country music and was a fabulous dancer. As a teenager, she participated in speed skating and won numerous awards with the West Allis Speed Skating Club.

She is survived by 5 children Pamela (Terry) Schultz, Mark (Lynda Neff) Slusar, Sandra (Darryl) Kowaleski, Kim (Butch) Sowa, Scott (Karen) Slusar, 13 grandchildren Katie (Tim) Krawczyk, Jessica (Dustin) Johnson, Jacob (Lauren) Schultz, Marquee Slusar, Mark (Isabella) Slusar, Kyle (Shara) Zastrow, Joshua Zastrow, Ryan Kowaleski, Kaley (Xavien) Fernandez, Haley Kowaleski, Justin Evans, Lisa Slusar, Allison Slusar, numerous great grandchildren, brother Jerry (Jan) Sommer, brother-in-law David (Wanda) Slusar, sister-in-law Betty Sommer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Toots was preceded in death by her husband Russell “Russ”, parents Andrew & Marie Sommer, brother William Sommer and brothers-in-law James & Thomas Slusar.

Mom was so full of life, but dementia slowly took away the mom, grandma, sister and friend that we all knew and loved. We all have our own great memories of mom that we will always cherish and will enjoy sharing those funny stories, to keep her memory alive. We love and miss you mom our hearts are breaking. We find comfort knowing you are back home in God's arms, surrounded by your heavenly family and friends. You now have your memory back and will have eternal life. Until we meet again.

On Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11AM she will be laid to rest at Holy Apostles Cemetery, 16000 W. National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151.

Thank you to the staff at the Brookdale Memory Care facility. You treated mom like family and for that, we are grateful. It was always hard to leave after visiting her, but it was very comforting to know she was happy and in good hands. Thank you to Hospice of the Valley and their extraordinary staff. They became part of mom's weekly routine, visiting her multiple times every week. Everyone was patient, compassionate and always made mom feel special. An extra special thank you to Amber, mom's hospice nurse. We cannot begin to thank you enough for always being there for her. You took the time to offer support whenever needed, and were upfront and honest during this difficult time. You are truly an angel from heaven.