Darlene Kielbasa

She was born in Hammond, IN, to the late Walter and Frances Dittrich.

Darlene shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with her late husband, Edward Kielbasa, Sr. She was a proud, loving, strong, and selfless mother, grandmother, and Gigi who cherished every moment shared and every memory made with her family.

She is survived by her eight children, Mary Davila, Edward Jr. (Sherri) Kielbasa, Lori Seljan, Michael (Donna) Kielbasa, Susie Kielbasa-McDonald, Michelle Wagner, Jeff (Cindy) Kielbasa, and Kimberly (Bryan) Kasper. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her special sister and brother-in-law, Debbie (Phil) Anderson; and numerous other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Kielbasa, Sr.; and her parents, Walter and Frances Dittrich. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Edward Kielbasa, III; her sons-in-law, Mark Wagner and Domingo Davila; her parents-in-law, Thomas and Mary Kielbasa; her sister, Diane Bochenek; and her brother, Bud Dittrich.

Darlene received her teaching degree from Ball State University and worked for the School City of Hammond for over 30 years. As her career evolved, reading and literacy became her passion. She spent much of her career working with the Title One Program and PACT Preschool Program, earning several awards for outstanding achievement along the way. She took great pride in her work, and the impact she made on the lives of many parents and students stayed with her throughout her life.

When her children were young, Darlene was active in the PTA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Hessville Little League, and Softball League. Her children and grandchildren were her proudest accomplishments. She never missed a sporting or school event and would give her grandchildren a few dollars afterward for a job well done. She kept in touch with her family through encouraging, heartfelt texts and phone calls. You couldn’t stop by to see Grandma without getting a hug, playing a game of Yahtzee, and hearing her say, “I am so proud of you!”

Darlene was known for her famous brownies and chip dip, for sending thoughtful greeting cards to everyone she knew for every occasion, and for giving candy to those she met along the way. During her retirement, she was a regular at Walgreens, Hallmark, and the Dollar Store. She was always rooting for the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed spending time with her special book club friends.

Throughout her life, Darlene was devoted to her family and loved ones, and made sacrifices so no one would go without. Everyone who knew her felt loved. She will be greatly missed and remembered fondly by all whose paths she crossed during her long life.

A visitation to honor Darlene will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307, on November 10, 2026, from 2:30 to 7:00 pm. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and laid to rest next to her husband at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Kielbasa family.